Derbyshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which brings together councils, emergency services and health organisations would like to re-emphasise the Governments messages to keep us safe leading up to the festive period.

As you will have seen, following the news of a new variant of the virus, the Government have re-introduced some guidance regarding the wearing of face masks. Derbyshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Dean Wallace said:

There are a number of measures we can all take that have worked with previous variants to help control the spread.

The main measure is to ensure that you are fully vaccinated and keep up with boosters available to you. Wearing face coverings, keeping good hand hygiene and keeping a distance from people from other households and have well-ventilated indoor areas all help with trying to keep the spread contained.

Derby City Council’s Director of Public Health Robyn Dewis followed by saying:

The public of Derbyshire have been consistent in taking up the opportunity to have vaccines and I would continue to urge you to have your boosters and stay fully vaccinated. The vaccination programme in the county and city is making good progress but it is still important to stress that lateral flow tests are to be encouraged if you are to be in close contact with people outside your household. If you have symptoms, please remember to get a PCR test and to self-isolate until you receive the results, if the results are positive then you must isolate for the full 10 days.

Chair of the Local Resilience Forum, Deputy Chief Constable Kate Meynell said:

As a police force we are continuing to encourage our officers to promote the three Es, which are Engage, Explain and Encourage. This will continue and enforcement will only be an option if absolutely necessary and will be more appropriate if and when restrictions become stricter.

I urge everyone to remain sensible leading up to the end of year and take all precautions available to protect yourselves and your family to ensure that you can enjoy time with your friends and loved ones.”

For further information on current guidelines please visit the Government website www.gov.uk