COVID-19 key messages – 30 November 2020
Symptoms, testing and self-isolation
• If you have symptoms – high temperature, new / persistent cough, loss of taste or smell – stay at home and book at test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or ring 119.
• You and others in your household need to stay at home (self-isolate) until your test result comes back. Self-isolation means you can’t leave the house, including for work, school or college, exercise, out of school activities, shopping or attending pre-arranged appointments.
• If it’s positive, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms started. Others in your household / support bubble and close contacts will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
• Once you have completed the self-isolation period, there is no need to get re-tested.
Tier 2 restrictions
From 2 December 2020, Knowsley and the wider Liverpool City Region, must adhere to Tier 2 restrictions which will help to bring our infection rates down. Restrictions include:-
• No household mixing in any indoor setting.
• Rule of six applies outdoors – any social gatherings of more than six people is against the law.
• Pubs and restaurants must close by 11pm – last orders will be called at 10pm.
• Alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal.
• Spectators are allowed at sports events and live performances (capacity will be limited and social distancing must be adhered to). • Personal care, including hairdressers and barbers, is allowed.
• If you can work from home, you should.
Christmas bubbles
• From 23-27 December, you can see family / friends from up to three households by creating a ‘Christmas bubble’.
• You can only be in one Christmas bubble.
• Weigh up the risks if vulnerable residents / friends are included in your plans.
• You cannot change your Christmas bubble.
• You can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble.
• You can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces. You can’t meet in a pub or restaurant.
• You cannot meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble.
• People who are self isolating should not join a Christmas bubble.
• Remember to maintain social distancing wherever possible, regularly wash your hands, clean touch points such as door handles / remote controls and let as much fresh air in during and after your visitors have left.
Why do we need restrictions?
• We know that the virus is easily transmitted from person to person so steps need to be put in place to limit interactions / contact with other people in order to stop the spread of the virus.
• The restrictions are in place to protect not only yourself, but others around you.
General advice to stop the spread of the virus
• Maintain social distancing – that’s keeping a 2m distance between you and others.
• Wear a face covering where advised, including in shops, on public transport, in taxis and hospital settings.
• Limit interactions with others.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Work from home if you can.
• Always carry a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, discard the tissue immediately and then wash your hands for 20 seconds.
Help and support
Call the Knowsley Volunteer and Support Line on 0800 073 0043 if you need help with shopping, picking up medication, dog walking or just someone to talk to.
