Well over 100,000 people in Portsmouth have now had at least one dose of vaccine.
People aged 45 and over are now being invited to get a jab. You can book this online or by calling 119 if you can't get online. Your GP may also contact you to offer you an appointment.
It's not too late to get your vaccine if you're in one of the other eligible groups, for example if you're a carer, a front-line health and social care worker, someone with learning disabilities or someone classed as clinically vulnerable to coronavirus. Use the details above or contact your GP. Those in other groups should wait to be invited.
If you've got an appointment for a second dose it's really important to attend this. While the first dose provides good protection, you need the second dose for maximum, longer-lasting protection. The same vaccine should be used for both doses.
If you had your first dose through your GP or at QA hospital they'll contact you to book your second dose, you don’t need to contact them. If you booked online or by calling 119 you would have booked both your first and second appointments at the same time. If you've forgotten the details, you can go online or call 119 if you can’t get online.
If you're observing Ramadan you should still attend vaccination appointments. The British Islamic Medical Association has confirmed that injections for non-nutritional purposes do not invalidate the fast. There are no foetal or animal products in the vaccines.
Remember to keep following the 'hands, face, space' guidance even when you've had your vaccine to avoid passing the virus to others.
Want to get into the habit of twice-weekly testing when you're symptom-free – but can't get to a collection point?
No worries. You can order your home test kits online to arrive by post.
One in three people who catch the virus don't show symptoms, so this type of testing helps stop the spread, letting you know if you need to isolate.
Order online, test at home, protect Portsmouth.
Enjoy the great outdoors and help keep it safe and clean for everyone.
- Stick to the rule of six or two households and keep 2m apart from anyone outside your household or bubble if you're meeting up with friends or family.
- It can be a good idea to wear a face covering if you're in a busy place, a queue, or somewhere where you can't keep your distance from people outside your household or bubble.
- Make sure your litter goes in the bin or is recycled if you're having a picnic or takeaway food. Help look after the space for others.
- Make space for others when it's busy, especially those who may be less able. Step to the side if you're passing others.
- If somewhere like the seafront is busy and you feel uncomfortable, think about visiting at a quieter time earlier or later in the day or exploring somewhere different.
If you're worried about a serious breach of coronavirus regulations, like a large gathering, or a business that might not have the right safety measures in place you can let us or the police know. Our enforcement teams and police partners will be out and about all weekend.
When you're out about, please remember to check in, keep your face covered and stay safe.
As we all start getting out and about more, meeting friends for a drink or getting that first post-lockdown haircut, it can be easy to forget or even feel awkward taking simple safety steps, especially if others aren't following the rules. But, basic steps like wearing a face covering and using the NHS Covid-19 app really will help protect you and your loved ones and keep the spread of coronavirus to a minimum.
You should wear a face covering – when you're inside public places like barbers and hairdressers, shops and supermarkets and at cafes, pubs and restaurants (until you're seated at a table).
Check in to venues using the NHS Covid-19 app – it's the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from coronavirus. Download from the App Store or Google Play.
Sadly some people have been using coronavirus as an excuse to carry out scams
These include cons asking people to provide bank details for a vaccination appointment, or letters and emails to businesses falsely claiming to be from the government or HMRC. Always think twice before providing your personal or bank details. Anyone who has been a victim of fraud or cyber crime can report it online at Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
Self-isolating can be really difficult.
Staying at home for at least 10 days, because you have coronavirus symptoms, have tested positive, or have been in close contact with someone who has, can be tough. If you're worried about money or need help with tasks like shopping, support is available and can help you avoid potential fines for not self-isolating when you should.
If you're on a low income, can't work from home and will lose income as a result, you can apply for a £500 test and trace support payment. The scheme also applies to parents or guardians who need to take time off work to care for a child or young person who has to self-isolate. If you don't qualify for a payment, there is other help available locally if you're self-isolating. You're not alone.
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