Due to the rise of Omicron cases across the UK, Derby City Council’s Outbreak Engagement Board is urging citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help protect themselves, their families, and the people of Derby.

We are also urging people who are eligible to get their booster vaccinations as soon as possible. This is especially relevant to those who are vulnerable and women who are currently pregnant.
As cases are rising quickly across the UK, we’re asking people to remain safe and follow Government guidelines to ensure we slow the spread to keep as many people safe as possible over the Christmas period. We are asking that you wear a mask in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces if possible, follow social distancing guidelines and get your vaccines and boosters. Omicron is much easier to catch and pass on to others than previous variants of coronavirus so it is important that we take extra precautions.

Midland House in Derby is currently open for bookings and walk in booster jabs, as well as 1st and 2nd dose vaccinations. Walk in sessions are available from 8.00am to 7.00pm every day. Times may change over the festive period, so please check the NHS website before you visit.

By taking regular lateral flow tests and adhering to social distancing, we can help slow the rise in cases. Please take a lateral flow test before seeing family and friends or before going attending events. If a test comes back positive, you must book a PCR test and isolate until you get your result.

Lateral Flow tests can be picked up from a local pharmacy or ordered online on the GOV.UK website.

If you have tested positive, you can book a PCR test on the GOV.UK website. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus consider reducing the number of meetings you have, the number of people you meet with and use ventilation to keep you all safer.

Dr Robyn Dewis, has highlighted the importance of staying safe this Christmas,

“Christmas is here and whilst we may be looking forward to seeing family and friends or attending events together, it is critical that we do not forget about the measures in place to keep our loved ones safe.
Omicron is quickly spreading and the measures in place help us to slow the virus. We must take lateral flow tests and help protect others by wearing face coverings in busy outdoor and indoor public spaces. We must also focus our meetings with those people most important to us. Through these measures we can have a safe Christmas and help protect ourselves, our family and Derby as we head into the new year.
For our citizens who have not yet been vaccinated it is never too late; each vaccine we receive builds our protection. We know that vaccination helps to reduce our risks of being seriously unwell and needing admission to hospital, even with the Omicron variant.”

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing has said:

“Derby must be kept safe this winter. We need to play our part and help slow the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city. The Omicron variant is extremely transmissible, so it has never been more important that we do all we can to slow it and protect our elderly and vulnerable citizens. By taking regular lateral flow tests we can identify when we are positive and help stop the virus from spreading to others. If those who are eligible receive their 1st, 2nd and Booster COVID-19 vaccinations they will receive another line of defence against the virus that can protect not only ourselves, but also our family, friends and the rest of Derby.”

You can also find out more about vaccinations, staying safe and how to book your booster on the NHS website.