Calls for people to take care while they celebrate Christmas this year

Health bosses in Herefordshire have called on local residents to take care over the Christmas period despite the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in the county.

The Government announced the outcome of its review of the Covid-19 tier system in England last week and decided to move Herefordshire into Tier 1 (Medium Alert) from December 19.

While Herefordshire infection rates are low compared to other areas, residents are being asked to stay vigilant, follow the guidance and go the extra mile to help protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus as well as prevent it from spreading.

Public health acting director Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones said: “Although going into Tier 1 eases some of the current restrictions, I am asking Herefordshire residents to take extra care up to and after Christmas to protect their family and friends particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable. The decisions we all make now will affect us and the wider community in the coming weeks and months.”

The county had been in the Tier 2 (High Alert) level since December 2 when the month-long national lockdown was lifted. However the Government is reviewing each area’s tier status every 14 days.

When doing this the Government considers case detection rates in all age groups, case detection rates in the over-60s, the rate at which cases are rising or falling, positivity rate (the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken) and pressure on the NHS.

The Government says the indicators provide a full picture of what is happening with the virus in any area so that suitable action can be taken.

Across all tiers everyone must wear a face covering in most indoor public settings, unless they have an exemption, should follow the rules on meeting others and should attend school or college as normal, unless self-isolating.