Latest situation in Cumbria
New COVID-19 cases rose in Cumbria for the first time since late October, as the Government announced further measures to combat the spread of the Omicron variant.
1512 new cases were confirmed in week ending 3 December, a 10% rise from 1380 the previous week.
Since week ending 22 October cases have consistently fallen until now.
In Cumbria, case rates remain below the England average, but Eden and Copeland are now higher than the north west regional average, having been lower for several weeks.
Latest advice from Colin Cox, Cumbria's Director of Public Health
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “We had been bucking the national trend, so it is perhaps surprising it has taken so long for cases to start rising again.
“While we’re still awaiting official confirmation, we do have a small number of cases in Cumbria which are very likely to be the Omicron variant – the individuals and their contacts are already self-isolating. We can certainly expect more cases of the Omicron variant locally in the coming days and weeks.
“The Plan B measures announced by the Prime Minister last night make sense, they do reduce transmission and I’d strongly encourage everyone to take heed and think carefully about what you do as we head towards Christmas. Remember that vaccination is still the best way of keeping yourself safe, and doing a Lateral Flow Test before meeting up with other people helps protect everyone. It remains to be seen exactly what the impact of Omicron will be and whether these measures will be sufficient. I sincerely hope they are, as I share everyone’s frustration with the continued disruption Covid is causing.”
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Face coverings
From today, you must wear a face covering inside many indoor public places like cinemas and theatres unless you are exempt.
You must still continue to wear a face covering in shops and on public transport.
People can be exempt due to health conditions which include hidden conditions such as anxiety or panic disorders, autism, breathing difficulties, dementia, reduced vision or if you are with someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.
If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download
a template.
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By-election next week
Those wishing to vote in person at next week's by-elections in Workington are reminded of some of the measures we have introduced to help people stay safe. These are:
- Face coverings must be worn when inside the polling station - unless you are exempt.
- Please follow any one-way routes
- Keep hands clean - sanitiser will be available
- Please bring your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot paper
Please do not vote in a polling station if you are feeling unwell, have coronavirus symptoms, or are self-isolating. You can apply for an emergency proxy vote instead. Please call 0303 123 1731 to arrange this.
Working from home
If you can work from home you should do from Monday 13 December.
Anyone who cannot work from home should continue to go into work.
Some people will have to go to their work places where they can not do their jobs from home, including some of those who provide public services.
If you need to continue to go into work, consider taking lateral flow tests regularly to manage your own risk and the risk to others.
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Covid pass
From Wednesday 15th December, the NHS Covid Pass will be mandatory in venues where large crowds gather.
These venues include unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees.
An NHS Covid Pass or negative lateral flow test will be required to be shown.
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Test and trace support payment
It is important to get regularly tested for COVID-19, to protect yourself, your family and your community. You may wish to take a rapid lateral flow test if you are due to be in crowded and enclosed spaces, or before visiting people who are at higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.
One in three people with COVID-19 do not show any symptoms, so even if you are vaccinated, you could still catch the virus and pass it on. Testing is a vital way to check.
- Use the NHS COVID-19 App, which is the fastest way to know if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
- Let your networks know that rapid tests are available by calling 119, via the NHS COVID-19 App, or the NHS website.
Vaccines
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, friends and family from winter viruses so you can enjoy the festive season.
Flu and COVID-19 can both be life-threatening, and spread more easily in winter. If you suffer with a long term health condition you are more at risk and will need a Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccine.
People who have had their booster vaccine by 11 December will have very high protection against COVID-19 by Christmas Day.
The interval between vaccines for booster jabs has now been halved from six months to three months to speed up the programme and will be open for all aged over 18.
See the latest information on vaccines on the local North Cumbria NHS web page.
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Safer behaviours
The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated.
People that are fully vaccinated should continue to follow behaviours and actions set out
in the guidance on how to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
To help combat COVID-19 you should follow safer behaviours and actions that include:
Use face coverings in crowded indoor places. Wash your hands regularly. Test regularly.
Stay at home when you feel unwell. Use the COVID-19 NHS App.
Simple and straightforward behaviours such as letting in fresh air, for 10 minutes regularly,
whilst indoors can help save lives. By following these behaviours or actions you are
helping to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
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