Top tips for a safe Christmas

With Covid cases across Sunderland high and rising, with around 150 new cases a day, Gerry Taylor, the city's Director of Public Health said it was more important than ever to follow the guidance in place to avoid giving the virus more chances to spread.

Gerry said: "Although we have yet to see the full impact of the Omicron variant in Sunderland and the North East, the situation is a fast changing one. 

"At this stage it's not clear whether Omicron is likely to cause more serious illness. But we do know that it's highly infectious and also that higher case rates result in more people needing hospital treatment at a time when the NHS is already struggling due to staff sickness. That's why it's vital that we all do everything we can to stop the virus from spreading.

"We're all looking forward to enjoying Christmas and the very last thing we want is Covid getting in the way at this very special time of year, but there are some really simple things we can all do help keep everyone safe this festive season. 

Gerry's top tips for a safe Christmas are: 

• Get all recommended doses of the Covid vaccine and if you are over 18 and it's been three months since you had your second dose, get your booster - www.sunderland.gov.uk/covidvaccine. And remember to get your flu jab too if eligible
• Covid spreads when we have contact with others so think about limiting how often you mix with people outside of your household - prioritise the get togethers that really matter
• If you are heading out and about, take a LFD test. Report your result and if it's positive, self-isolate immediately and take a PCR test - you might have Covid and not know it so this will help to stop you passing it on
• Make sure you wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed places - it's a legal requirement in most indoor places and on public transport and really helps to stop the spread
• If you're seeing others and it's a crisp winter's day, why not meet outside. If you're inside, open a window to help blow any Covid particles away
• Keep washing and sanitising your hands
• If you have any symptoms, even mild ones, stay at home and get a PCR test
• And remember, with lots of winter viruses in circulation, you should also stay at home if you feel unwell to help stop passing on any infections