The UK Government announced that England will fully return to Plan A from Thursday 27th January, with ministers urging anyone who has still not had a top-up jab to come forward and Get Boosted Now.
From Thursday 27th January:
- Face coverings are no longer required by law in any public areas. However, Public Health guidance will remain in place, suggesting individuals should continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet
- Venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS Covid Pass. The NHS Covid Pass can still be used on a voluntary basis as was previously the case in Plan A.
Covid measure remain in place
Despite the changes for members of public, the infection prevention and control measures at St Mary’s Hospital and its community based locations remain in place.
- Wearing face masks: Face masks are still a legal requirement for many healthcare settings, including the IOW NHS Trust, and it is an important measure that keeps those receiving healthcare safe.
- Visitors: Patients on certain wards that have been in hospital for over 7 days, will continue to be permitted one designated visitor.
Parker: Covid-19 remains a risk for vulnerable people
Steven Parker, Medical Director said,
“Covid-19 is still circulating in our community and remains a risk for vulnerable people, such as those in hospital and in our care.
“Wearing a face mask remains in place at St Mary’s Hospital and at our community locations and we support the Public Health England recommendation to still wear a face covering in public places and crowded spaces.
“As Covid-19 restrictions change, we would like thank everyone who has come forward for a booster, to protect themselves, reduce transmission and save lives.”
Latest Covid rates
The daily number of positive Covid-19 tests on the Isle of Wight today (Wednesday) is 178, making the weekly rolling rate 952 a rate per 100,000 population of 675.18.
The cumulative total since the pandemic began now stands at 26,139 – a rate per 100,000 population of 18,538.30.
As of 14th January, the cumulative number of deaths with Covid-19 on the death certificate on the Isle of Wight was 368, up four from last week.
According to the Government Dashboard there was one new death today within 28 days of a positive test, taking the total to 335, up eight from last week.
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
Image: thenationalguard under CC BY 2.0
