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Monday 16 August 2021
Residents Bulletin
Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are providing regular email updates to let you know about the latest information we have on local and national measures to contain the virus, any changes to local services and support that’s available.
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Further information is available from www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus
Further information is available from www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus
Changes to Covid self-isolation rules in place from today
Changes to self-isolation rules for people who have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 come into force from today (Monday 16 August).
If you have come into contact with someone with Covid the changes mean that from today you don’t have to self-isolate, so long as you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms and:
- You have been double vaccinated for 14 days or more
- OR You are aged 18 years and six months or younger”?
- OR You are taking part in an approved Covid-19 vaccine trial
- OR You are unable to get vaccinated for a valid medical reason
However, if you are in close contact with someone who tests positive, you are still strongly advised to arrange to get a PCR test as soon as possible.
You must still self-isolate for ten days if you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has a positive COVID-19 PCR test result and fall into one of the following groups:
- Those who have not received their COVID-19 vaccination
- Those who have not received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccination
- Those who have received their second dose within the last 14 days
- Those who have tested positive following a PCR test
- Those who have been fully vaccinated and are displaying COVID-19 symptoms (ahead of getting a PCR test).
Find out more about when to self-isolate and what self-isolation means on the NHS website.
Director of Public Health: “Covid’s not gone yet”
Allowing more double-vaccinated people to continue going about their daily lives and not self-isolate is further confirmation that vaccination remains the most effective, proven way of preventing death, serious illness and transmission
But with infection rates and hospital cases rising, it doesn’t mean that COVID-19 has gone and that we should stop taking the precautions which reduce the risk of the virus spreading – vaccinated or not.
Ben Anderson, Rotherham’s Director of Public Health has issued an updated on the latest changes and advice to communities across Rotherham.
Covid infections and hospital cases on the increase
COVID-19 infection rates in Rotherham have increased over the last week and there are more patients being treated for COVID-19 in Rotherham Hospital than since March.
The latest infection rate stands at 383.4 cases per 100,000 population – an increase from 362.2 on last week’s data.
Cases are rising across all age groups, including people aged 60 and above (from 90,2 per 100,000 to 146.9 per 100,000). This is especially concerning in people aged 60 and above – those most likely to be seriously ill and hospitalised.
Cases are being recorded across the borough as a result of community transmission, rather than specific major outbreaks at a particular location.
Sadly, there have been a further two Covid-related deaths in Rotherham during the same period.
More than 50 people are currently being treated for Covid in Rotherham Hospital, which is the highest number since March.
Always test and self-isolate if you have Covid symptoms
Anyone who is displaying COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate immediately and arrange for a test.
If you have symptoms and continue to work, socialise, go to the shops, use public transport or visit the hospital, you are putting other people in danger.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
If you are displaying any of these symptoms you should arrange to get a PCR test as soon as possible.
Vaccines protect you and your baby
If you are pregnant, it is important that you still go ahead and have your COVID-19 vaccine to provide the best protection to you and your baby.
Thousands of pregnant women have already been safely vaccinated both in the UK and worldwide.
Getting in touch…
During this challenging time please, where possible and appropriate, use our online services rather than calling via telephone. We’re receiving a high level of calls daily and want to ensure we’re able to answer urgent calls regarding vulnerable residents and our front line services.
