Council urges caution over New Year's Eve gatherings

Herefordshire public health leaders are asking everyone to end 2021 safely especially because of the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones, acting director of public health for Herefordshire Council, says: “Many of us want to go out and enjoy ourselves. But it’s important to remember to keep yourself and others safe. This is why we are asking people to prioritise meetings that are most important to them and limit other social contacts.

“It’s really important to take a lateral flow test if you do plan to meet people.

“If you have a negative test, keep a one-metre distance and wear a mask wherever possible. Remember, socialising outside is safer than being indoors.

“Don’t forget the other important measures we should all be taking every day to reduce the spread of the virus. Keep washing and sanitising hands; wear face coverings when out shopping, in places of worship and on public transport; work from home where possible and let fresh air into indoor spaces.

“If you haven’t yet had your vaccination or booster, now is the time to book.

“And if you have a temperature, cough, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, no matter how mild, you need to isolate and get a PCR test as quickly as possible.”