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Director of Public Health welcomes changes in data and stresses need to follow Winter Plan A

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire, has welcomed the data which shows a reduction in the Covid case rates which have been contributing to severe pressures for people and services in Nottinghamshire. Similar improvements across England have led to the Prime Minister's announcement that additional Plan B restrictions will be lifted from 27 January. Some of the Plan B measures – people working from home if they can and the requirement for face coverings in school classrooms – have already been removed.

Jonathan Gribbin said:

"I welcome the reduction in case rates and indications that recent increases in service pressures are levelling out. I thank people in Nottinghamshire for their playing their part in limiting the impact of Covid-19 on local services by getting vaccinated, isolating and getting tested if they have had symptoms or a positive test result, and following other measures.

"We can be optimistic about the months ahead but the pandemic is not yet behind us. For the time being, we must continue to act carefully and remain cautious.

"As we return to Winter Plan A, getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself and others. People who are fully vaccinated should continue to follow all the behaviours and actions set out in the guidance on how to help limit the spread of Covid-19.

"What we must do in Winter Plan A to prevent the spread:

• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer. Meeting outdoors vastly reduces the risk of airborne transmission, however, it is not always possible, particularly through the winter. If you are indoors, being in a room with fresh air (and, for example, opening your windows regularly for 10 minutes or a small amount continuously) can still reduce the airborne risk from Covid-19 substantially compared to spaces with no fresh air. Some evidence suggests that under specific conditions high levels of ventilation could reduce airborne transmission risk by up to 70%
  
  
• Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed settings where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet
  
  
• Continue testing regularly with LFTs - particularly before periods of high risk and before seeing anyone who is vulnerable - and take a PCR test if you have symptoms
  
  
• Try to stay at home if you are feeling unwell
  
  
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day
  
  
• Download and use the NHS COVID-19 app to know if you've been exposed to the virus."

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