'Covid has not gone' warns health director ahead of self-isolation rule change

From Monday, people who have been vaccinated for 14 days or more and children under the age of 18 years and six months will no longer need to self-isolate if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. 

The rule change also applies to people taking part in Covid-19 vaccine trials and those unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons. 

However, anyone who does test positive for the virus or has symptoms must still self-isolate for ten days. 

With case rates in Rotherham still remaining high at 383.4 per 100,000 people, the borough's director of public health, Ben Anderson, is encouraging people to continue getting tested for Covid-19 and stressed people must still self-isolate if they have symptoms or a positive test. 

He added: "Even though the guidance is changing around self-isolation, this does not mean that Covid-19 has gone.

"More than 50 people are currently being treated for Covid in Rotherham Hospital, the highest number since March.

"The virus is still too common in our communities and we need to make sure we do our bit to stop transmission so we can keep case numbers down."

Infection rates are rising in the majority of all age groups, he said, including those over 50, who are most vulnerable to serious illness, hospitalisation and death. 

"With social restrictions removed, vaccination remains the most effective, proven way of preventing death, serious illness and transmission," added Mr Anderson.

“Even if you have been vaccinated, we still encourage social distancing, regular hand-washing, use of face coverings in crowded places and regular self-testing, especially if you are back at work or socialising more.

"If you test positive, you must self-isolate.”

Further information about self-isolation, vaccines and general Covid-19 enquiries can be found at www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus.