Isolation easing in Southport
THE vast majority of Southport residents no longer need to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who has Covid-19.
As of Monday, August 16, under 18s and anyone who is fully vaccinated no longer needs to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case.
Instead, they are advised to take a PCR test to check their own infection status or take a rapid test if they have had the virus in the previous 90 days.
On the day the rules changed, 72.8% of adults in Sefton had received both doses of their vaccines.
There are some large discrepancies within Southport though, with Marshside, Churchtown and Birkdale all at around 81% in comparison with the 58.2% recorded within the Southport Waterfront area.
As the changes were brought in, Sefton Council’s director of health Margaret Jones said: “This is a significant easing of the self-isolation rules, which means it’s important we all keep on making sure we protect ourselves, our families, our friends, our colleagues and the wider Sefton community.
“This means continuing to limit contact with people - particularly those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and where possible, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and where you cannot maintain social distancing.
“And we should continue taking free Lateral Flow Tests, which are available free from a wide range of local outlets including all Sefton pharmacies.” She continued: “The best way to protect ourselves is to make sure we get both doses of the vaccine, which is now also available to 16 and 17-year-olds, who will soon be invited for their vaccination appointments.
“Plus, it’s vital that anyone who starts to show Covid symptoms or a high temperature, a new persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell, should book a PCR test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs. uk/coronavirus.
“People who test positive will still need to selfisolate no matter what their vaccination status or age.”