Newsletters - April 2021

With a long bank holiday weekend ahead of us, we are urging everyone to stay safe and continue to follow the COVID-19 restrictions while enjoying more of the freedoms we have missed during lockdown. Everyone in Devon over the age of 16 years old can now get free rapid lateral flow device (LFD) COVID-19 tests, and should be using them twice a week. COVID-19 vaccination programme in Devon enters next phase with 40 year olds able to book now.

Positive cases of coronavirus in Devon have levelled off, following a period of decline. “Now is another critical time, if we’re to avoid an upturn in cases again,” said Steve Brown, Director for Public Health Devon. Until recently case numbers in Devon had been falling, but the data for the latest available week show rates are stabilising. 

This week we’ve been able to do a little bit more as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease in line with the government’s roadmap. Residents across Devon have been visiting local high streets, getting back to the gym, enjoying beer gardens and sorting out lockdown locks with long awaited haircuts. However, many restrictions remain in place, and are underpinned by law, so don’t get carried away just yet.

Every adult in Devon is now being encouraged to take a quick COVID-19 test twice a week to help stop the virus spreading. These type of tests, known as rapid lateral flow device (LFD) tests, are for people who don’t show any symptoms of having coronavirus. One in three people with coronavirus do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus unwittingly. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. They are easy, quick and convenient, and the results are usually available to you within the hour.

Just days ahead of a long Easter weekend, this easing seems a natural opportunity for people to get together outdoors. We all no doubt want to catch up with others this weekend, and the relaxation of restrictions now allows up to six people, or two households of any size, to meet up outside – in the garden for example – while adhering to social distancing and good hand hygiene. But please let’s be cautious, otherwise we place ourselves, our families and friends at risk.