Be careful as we live with Covid

In her latest video to residents, Gerry Taylor, the city's Executive Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning, said: "The last two years of the pandemic have impacted on all of our lives and seen us all pulling together the support our city. We are now moving towards living with Covid.

"As we adapt to living alongside Covid, it's important we balance the welcome ability to get on with our lives, alongside the responsibility we continue to have to keep ourselves and others safe."

The video is available to view here: Gerry's video.

She said: "The high rates of infection we're seeing across the city at the moment remind us that the virus certainly has not gone away, but thanks to the success of the vaccination programme and your continued support, the number of people becoming seriously ill remains low.

"There are things we can all continue to do to help keep all infections at bay.

"Just as you would do with any other illness, if you feel unwell, stay home and avoid contact with others. If you're not able to stay at home, take simple precautions such as wearing a face covering, keeping your distance and avoiding contact with those who may be more vulnerable.

"The list of symptoms associated with Covid has just been expanded and if you have any of these including a high temperature then it's important to be extra cautious to protect yourself and those around you.

"And of course, if you're testing and you get a positive result, then the advice is to stay at home for five full days."

The expanded list of symptoms now includes:

·       continuous cough

·       high temperature, fever or chills

·       loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

·       shortness of breath

·       unexplained tiredness, lack of energy

·       muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise

·       not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry

·       headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual

·       sore throat, stuffy or runny nose

·       diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick

Gerry added: "As I have said many times, getting all recommended doses of the Covid vaccine is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and others from serious illness.

"The spring booster vaccine is currently being offered to people aged 75 and over and some others in high risk groups and if you're eligible, the NHS will contact you to make an appointment.

"It's never too late to get your 1st or 2nd or booster vaccinations and there is information on our website to help.

"The things we're all so familiar with like wearing a face covering, ventilating rooms and washing hands regularly will continue to protect you and others from Covid and other illnesses, so I would encourage everyone to continue taking those simple measures.

"While the ability to get out more and get on with our lives is welcome to many, it's important to remember it is a concern for many. So, let's continue to look out for our friends, colleagues, and family, by keeping up the good habits we've all become used to.

"Thank you for all you are doing to protect each other and our Sunderland communities. Continue to look at our website to keep up to date with our guidance on Covid and other health issues."

www.sunderland.gov.uk coronavirus also has lots of useful information about Covid.