Play Your Part and continue to protect others in Hertfordshire

PR Date: Friday, 11 September 2020 - 9:15am

Following the recent rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in parts of Hertfordshire, including Dacorum and Hertsmere, we would like to remind our residents that we still need you to play your part in controlling the spread of coronavirus.

Read on to find out more about new measures being introduced next week aimed at suppressing the virus and keeping the number of infections down, and what you can do to help protect yourself and others.

Changes to meeting with others: Rule of Six

From Monday 14 September you must not meet with people from other households in a group larger than 6 (unless you are meeting as a household or support bubble). This will apply indoors and outdoors, including in private homes.

The police will have powers to enforce this legal limit, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notice) of £100.

There will be a limited number of exemptions, including:

• individual households or support bubbles of more than 6 will still be able to gather together
• COVID-19 Secure venues, such as places of worship, restaurants and hospitality venues, can still host larger numbers in total, but groups of up to 6 must not mix or form larger groups
• work, and voluntary or charitable services
• education, training and registered childcare
• some organised team sports
• weddings and funerals, up to 30 people

There’s more information on GOV.UK about how to meet others safely.

Reduce the risk of transmission

Remember that the most important things you can do to help reduce the spread of coronavirus are:

• Hands - Keep washing your hands regularly, for 20 seconds with warm water and soap
• Face - Wear a face covering in the places you are required to and when it is difficult to stay socially distanced
• Space - Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)

When you leave your home, you should follow the guidelines on staying alert and safe (social distancing) and staying safe outside your home.

Get a test if you have symptoms

If you have coronavirus symptoms, including:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

you should book a test immediately. You can do so by visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm.

Booking and taking a test is quick and simple with sites available widely across the county and you will often get your results in less than 24 hours.

Self-isolate if you have come into contact with someone with the virus

If you believe you have come in close contact with someone with the virus, or are feeling unwell, you should call 119 or visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

If you are contacted by the NHS track and trace team, then please follow the guidance they give you and self-isolate for the required amount of time.

Wear a face covering where required and continue to keep your distance

If you’re out and about in shops or on public transport, you are still required to wear a face covering and maintain a distance of at least one metre from people outside of your household.

You can read the latest guidance on face coverings on GOV.UK with a list of where you’ll need to wear one, how to make your own and who is exempt from wearing one.