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We’ve seen a significant increase in case numbers since legal restrictions were lifted and people got back to doing more of the things they've missed.
We must learn to live with Covid but the pandemic isn’t over.
High vaccination rates here in North Somerset mean symptoms are relatively mild and manageable for most people.
However, it can still be a serious illness for our more vulnerable residents and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Please keep following public health advice to protect yourself and others around you.
Last week nine new symptoms were added to the official list, including aches, a sore throat and feeling sick.
Please keep these in mind and try to minimise contact with others if you develop any symptoms that could be down to Covid.
Most free Covid testing has now ended but it will continue in some high-risk settings where infection could spread quickly.
North Somerset's three Covid testing centres at Bristol Airport, Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare have now closed. Tests are available to buy in pharmacies if you want to keep testing.
Free PCR testing is still available for people with symptoms if they are:
- patients in hospital
- eligible for treatments because they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill
- living or working in high-risk settings such as care homes or the NHS.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still continue to take sensible precautions.
These include wearing a mask if you can when you're indoors in crowded settings, keeping up regular hand washing, social distancing and keeping up-to-date with vaccinations.
All of these things will reduce the spread of infection – not only of Covid but other infections too.
Keep vaccinating
Covid vaccinations remain free and spring booster jabs are now available to people aged over 75 and in clinically vulnerable groups.
It's never too late to get vaccinated, so whether you're due a booster, or need to have your first or second doses, vaccinations are widely available.
Children aged five to 11 can now be booked in their for their vaccinations. Two low doses are being offered to give them the best protection.
Appointments are held in dedicated children’s clinics across our area and can be booked online or by calling 119.
Some walk-in clinics are also available. Information about all vaccination options in our area is available on the local Healthier Together website.
A guide for parents about the Covid vaccination has been published if you want more information about it and the effects of Covid in young children.
Covid memorial trees to be planted across North Somerset
Five hundred trees will be planted across North Somerset in memory of local people who lost their lives during the Covid pandemic.
To mark the second anniversary of the start of the first lockdown, we announced that native trees will be planted across the area to create spaces for reflection.
We’re hoping that planting these memorial trees will give people local places to visit where they can pause and contemplate their experiences.
The trees will also provide a physical space for people to remember the loved ones we’ve lost for many years to come.
Work will be carried out in the autumn, when the tree planting seasons resumes.
Details of locations will be published on our website when it’s available.