Norfolk 'open for business this half term'

As more people travel and socialise over the school holidays, Norfolk County Council is urging people to continue to follow the public health advice - keep to the rule of six and keep washing hands, socially distancing and covering faces where needed.

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Chair of the Norfolk Engagement Board and Leader of Norfolk County Council, said:

"Norfolk is very much open for business particularly over half-term and I hope that families will be able to get out and safely enjoy the many places and attractions our county has to offer.

"Rates of the virus here are increasing but they still remain lower than those nationally - so I’d urge people to be extra careful if they are travelling to and from Norfolk and to continue to follow the public health advice. It’s sensible to avoid crowded areas, where social distancing is more difficult, and to check if you need to pre-book days out with the family.

"With different areas of the United Kingdom facing different restrictions, you wouldn’t expect people to be leaving areas in Tier 3 (very high risk). It’s vital that everyone checks the status of local areas before travelling. Details on the tiers for each area are available here.

"The virus thrives on human contact, so the more we can do to minimise that by following the guidelines, they are there for a good reason, the more we can prevent its spread."

Reminder on when and how to isolate

With rates of coronavirus in the county continuing to increase, it remains crucial that people follow the guidance around when and how to isolate to prevent spreading the virus.

People should self-isolate immediately if:

You have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)

You've tested positive for coronavirus

You live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive

Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive for the virus

You're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, the app, or local test and trace teams

You arrive in the UK from a country on the government’s quarantine list

People who are isolating must stay at home and not have any visitors to their home or garden for the duration of the isolation period (unless for essential care).

Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health for Norfolk said:

"We completely understand that isolating is difficult, particularly after such a long period of restrictions. However, it can literally save lives by preventing the spread of the virus.

"Isolation means staying away from everyone outside of your immediate household - please don’t go to the shops, go to stay with family or have visitors. There is financial help available and support to get supplies. Agencies across Norfolk are here to help - we need to all work together to prevent the spread of the virus."

Those who need support with accessing food and medicine can also contact the council for help on 0344 800 8020.