Covid-19 cases are high in Cornwall

Omicron is spreading quickly in Cornwall and we are currently seeing our highest ever rates. If you have symptoms similar to a cold or flu please get a PCR test.

Demand for tests is high right now, so if there are no tests showing as available please try again every few hours, as more slots are released throughout the day.

Rules about isolation and testing have changed

Shorter self isolation if you have a negative test on two consecutive days from days six onward:

If you’ve tested positive for Covid you can now end self-isolation after seven days by providing negative lateral flow results on two consecutive days from days six and seven.

• This new guidance about only needing an LFD test to confirm you as a case applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

But, there are some other considerations you should be aware of:

• People who are not vaccinated must still isolate for the full 10 days if they are a contact of a positive case
• You can’t end your isolation if you still have a high temperature, even after 10 days
• If you do stop isolating after seven days please try to limit contact with vulnerable people, avoid crowded or unventilated areas if possible, and work from home if you can.

The need to get a confirmatory PCR has changed.

From Tuesday 11 February if you have no symptoms but test positive on an LFD you no longer the need to get a confirmatory PCR. Instead, you should isolate for 10 days BUT you can leave self-isolation early if:

• You have no symptoms AND,
• you have two consecutive negative LFD tests on day six and seven, or days seven and eight etc.

Please don’t just turn up at A&E

111 will help you to get the help that’s right for you. They might send you to a minor injury unit instead where you may be seen more quickly. They can treat  broken bones, burns, animal and insect bites, deep cuts that need stitching, or you need an x-ray.

Pharmacists can help with minor ailments such as cystitis, conjunctivitis, impetigo and rashes. They can also provide over the counter remedies to treat coughs and colds and can even issue regular medications you take in an emergency.

Only visit the emergency department or call 999 for life threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

Get moving this month

This year, why not give yourself permission to forget about a ‘new you’ – there’s nothing wrong with the ‘old you’ anyway – but maybe think about working towards a ‘slightly healthier, happier you’ instead.

Text ‘30 ways’ to 82228 to join Healthy Cornwall’s 30 Ways in 30 Days physical activity scheme. It’s perfect for people who’ve done little to no exercise in the past and you can do it in just a few minutes a day. Get the kids and your other half to join in too and make it part of your families’ day.

Funding available for suicide prevention projects

The money is being made available through Cornwall Council and NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) following the success of a similar scheme last year. Any formally constituted community group, charity or organisation can apply for a sum of up to £25,000. Those who applied last year are welcome to submit another application.

Groups can apply by visiting our project page where they can see a list of previous successful projects.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health help and advice is available at www.cornwall.gov.uk/mentalhealth, or call the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 24/7 NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300. It’s free to access by anyone, any age, any time, day or night.