Covid restrictions lifted but 'still a risk to lives'

Speaking in the week Rotherham Council announced "a sombre milestone” of 1,000 Covid-19 deaths, director of public health Ben Anderson also encouraged anyone who has not received their booster vaccination to do so before Friday, April 1 — when tests will no longer be freely available in England. 

The government confirmed on Monday that “domestic legal restrictions” will end today (Thursday, February 24) “as we begin to treat Covid as other infectious diseases such as flu” meaning the end of the legal requirement to self-isolate. 

However, until Friday, April 1, the government are still “advising” those testing positive to stay at home.

Mr Anderson said: “Following on from the prime minister’s announcement earlier this week, I would like to remind people that although the legal requirements for some of the remaining regulations is coming to an end, Covid is still very much in our communities and the announcement highlights the role we all have in managing the impacts of the pandemic and particularly in protecting the vulnerable.”

Mr Anderson highlighted the “guidance” for those testing positive to “isolate if they are able to do so”. 

“The prime minister focused on the responsibility of individuals to manage their own risks and reduce the risk they may pose to others,” he said, “and I am pleased that schools and businesses across Rotherham have been doing a great job to ensure the safety of their workers, pupils and customers. I know that many of them will continue to do this and to support people to self-isolate and to contain any further outbreaks.” 

Mr Anderson said the borough had reached “a sombre milestone” of 1,000 Covid-19 deaths, which showed “there is still risk to people's lives”.

“Living with Covid does not mean we can go back to pre-pandemic behaviours without risk and it will be important that people recognise that and continue to take proportionate measures including additional hand washing and social distancing along with keeping up to date with vaccinations. 

“Omicron remains a very transmissible variant of the virus and we still have people who are in hospital with the disease. 

“Testing is still available and will remain in place for all residents until Friday, April 1, so I encourage people to continue to get tested if they have symptoms and to use LFD tests to support decision-making while they are still available. 

“Further information about testing after April 1 will be shared with residents at a later date. 

"The vaccination programme in Rotherham has been well received with the majority of residents having had their second dose — however, many people are still needing to get their booster.

“As restrictions come off and testing reduces, keeping up with vaccination becomes more important. 

“Further vaccination doses will be offered to the over 75s and those who are clinically vulnerable this spring, and those yet to take up all doses will continue to be welcome at vaccination sites. 

“Make sure you have all the protection possible by getting your booster and keeping up with any further doses offered.

“Even if you have recently had Covid-19 — both the vaccinations and booster offer you a higher level of protection than any antibodies from the virus alone.”