Visitors to Northumberland urged to do their bit in battle against virus

Northumberland County Council is advising anyone who symptoms of coronavirus to self-isolate and stay indoors, arrange a test using their holiday address and notify their accommodation provider.

Liz Morgan, director of public health at Northumberland County Council, said: “Even though the number of cases in Northumberland remains relatively low, we cannot afford to be complacent and need to remember that coronavirus has not gone away. We are still in the midst of a pandemic.

"To prevent spreading this virus, people must make every effort to comply with the guidance around social distancing, handwashing and the use of face coverings.

“It is also really important to get tested if you become unwell. This is really easy to do, even if you are visiting from another part of the county.

“We all need to do our bit in the battle against Covid. Protect yourself, protect others, and protect Northumberland.”

Related article: The latest coronavirus case figures for Northumberland

Test kits can be requested by going to the NHS website or by calling 119. Visitors can book an appointment at a drive-through or walk-through test site, or ask for a home test kit to be sent to their holiday accommodation and results will be issued by text or email.

Cllr Jeff Watson, cabinet member for adult wellbeing and health added: “The health and wellbeing of people across Northumberland is our absolute priority. The pandemic is not over and we all have an important role to play in fighting it.

“Anyone who feels unwell and has any of the symptoms, however mild, should self isolate and get a test. We all need to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading.”

The main symptoms of Covid-19 are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

A leaflet has also been created for holiday accommodation to print out and share with guests during their visit, which can be found here: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/NorthumberlandCountyCouncil/media/COVID-19/Covid-holiday-leaflet.pdf

For more information and advice around protecting yourself and others from Covid-19 please visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops. Thank you for your support.