Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously announced that the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test for Covid-19 would end yesterday on Thursday, 24th February.
Changes to the country’s coronavirus testing programme were also announced, with widespread free testing due to end in April and regular at-home testing for close contacts of people with Covid-19 no longer mandatory.
However, the local NHS is urging continued awareness of the ongoing potential risk of Covid-19, especially as many continue to be admitted to hospital and thousands across the region remain unvaccinated.
Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “Getting back to normal is something we all long for, but we cannot pretend for one minute that Covid-19 is no longer with us.
“New cases are still being recorded every day and although the numbers becoming seriously unwell are not where they once were, some poor people still find themselves in hospital with this nasty virus.
“History has shown that coronavirus tends to surge when we show complacency, and with legal mandates now withdrawn, we each have a moral responsibility to do whatever we can to keep ourselves and those around us safe.”
People should, wherever possible, continue to stay at home when showing signs of coronavirus, which include a new and persistent cough, a high temperature and changes to taste and smell.
Additionally, all local healthcare settings, including hospitals and GP practices, will continue to ask visitors to observe social distancing, regular hand cleaning and mask wearing when indoors to help keep patients and staff safe.
Dr Bernie Marden, Medical Director, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust said: “Keeping patients and staff safe from Covid-19 is one of our top priorities at the RUH.
“We know that wearing face masks and social distancing are two of the most important things we can do to stop Covid-19 spreading, so that’s why patients and visitors will still be expected to follow this guidance when visiting our hospital."
Many of the region’s GP surgeries will also continue to offer virtual appointments, either by phone or video call, to help reduce overcrowding in waiting rooms and to ensure that face-to-face consultations are available for those most in need. Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 remains the best way of ensuring personal protection against the virus, while also helping to limit its spread to others.
Any person due a first, second or booster dose is advised to have their vaccine as quickly as possible, either by booking an appointment online or attending one of the many centres currently offering walk-in vaccinations.
People can find details of their nearest vaccination centre through the National Booking Service, which is available online at www.nhs.ukor over the phone by calling 119.
Further information about the local rollout of the vaccine, including an extensive list of frequently asked questions, can be found online at www.bswccg.nhs.uk.
Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health for Bath and North East Somerset said: “The Government is able to bring in these changes because of the success of the vaccination programme and treatments for people who become ill. However, Covid rates are still high and the virus hasn’t gone away. We expect there to be new variants in the future, and some of these may be more severe than Omicron.
"We are learning to live with what remains a significant and very transmissible virus and moving away from regulations towards taking personal responsibility to protect ourselves and those who may become seriously ill if they catch Covid. That means staying at home if you have flu-like symptoms or a severe cold and carrying on with the good hygiene practices that have become embedded over the past couple of years.
“Thank you for all you have done over the past two years to protect yourselves and others during the Covid crisis. We understand that the more vulnerable within our communities may be concerned by the lifting of the restrictions, but please be reassured we are still here to support you and key settings such as care homes and other organisations that work with vulnerable people.
Whilst the specific national restrictions for Covid-19 have ended, Bath & North East Somerset Council will continue to work closely with national health protection teams to manage outbreaks of covid, as we would do with other communicable disease outbreaks.”
As a result of the Government’s announcement changes will be made to Lateral Flow Testing provision in Bath and North East Somerset:
The last day of operation for the fixed testing site at 19 New Bond Street, Bath will be Saturday, 5th March
The last day of operation for the COVID-19 mobile testing van will be Sunday, 20th March.
The Community Wellbeing Hub, set up at the onset of the pandemic, will also continue to operate, providing health advice and wellbeing support to residents. You can call the Hub on: 0300 247 0050 Monday – Friday 9 am - 5 pm or email: [email protected]
The RUH says it will be keeping all current measures in place which means patients and visitors will still need to wear face coverings unless they are exempt and observe social distancing and the one-way system in the hospital. They are also asked not to come to the hospital if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. All staff will continue to wear masks and PPE.