Residents reminded to follow Covid-19 guidance

* Cllr Mark Young receives his own jab.

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents to follow Welsh Government guidance around Covid-19.

The Welsh Government is advising people without Covid-19 symptoms to take a lateral flow test before going out – whether that’s to a Christmas party; Christmas shopping; visiting friends or family; going to any crowded or busy place or before travelling.

University students returning home for Christmas are also being encouraged to test before coming home.

Those who test positive, or who are showing symptoms of Covid-19, should not go out and arrange for a PCR test and self-isolate.

Residents are also being reminded to attend their booster jab appointment when they are offered one.

Cllr Mark Young, the Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “With the Omicron variant spreading throughout the UK, we are reminding residents of Welsh Government guidance around Covid-19 ahead of Christmas.

“We want as many people as possible to stay safe and Covid free during the festive period so they can celebrate with family and friends, safely and sensibly.

“Taking a lateral flow test before going out or visiting loved ones helps reduce the spread of Covid-19 and free lateral flow tests are available to pick up from your local Denbighshire library, pharmacy or to order online.

“We are also reminding people to continue to wear a mask when needed, and if you are meeting up with people to allow fresh air into indoor spaces.

“The emerging evidence around the Omicron variant shows three doses of the vaccine – two primary doses plus the booster – gives people better protection.

“Therefore it is vital residents who are offered the booster jab attend their appointments.”

* Free lateral flow tests, for those without symptoms, are available from Denbighshire libraries (libraries are closed from 1pm on December 24 and re-open on January 4) or you can order them or find out the location of pick up points at pharmacies at https://gov.wales/get-rapid-lateral-flow-covid-19-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms

* Those with Covid-19 symptoms can book a home PCR test at https://gov.wales/get-tested-coronavirus-covid-19 or to find your nearest test centre visit https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-testing/book-a-covid-19-test/