Since yesterday (December 20) there has been 3 new cases of COVID confirmed in Launceston, totalling in 45 positive cases.

Visitors and residents in Cornwall are being encouraged to get into the Christmas spirit and embrace the season of goodwill by taking precautions and showing respect to others over the festive break.

Members of Cornwall Council’s public health team and the local NHS are encouraging people to follow Government guidelines and take the opportunity to get their vaccination and booster jab to help stop the spread of the Omicron variant.

Following guidelines is the best way to keep yourself and others around as safe as possible and will help to reduce the pressure on local heath services.

So whether you are a resident or visiting Cornwall this Christmas, please:

Get your jabs as soon as you are eligible.

If you are travelling, take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) and only head out if it is negative. If you are visiting Cornwall bring your own supply of LFTs with you if possible.

Stay at home and do a PCR test if you have winter illness symptoms, (cough, cold, sore throat, achy bones, high temperature, loss of smell or taste).

Wear a mask indoors where possible and wash/sanitise your hands regularly.

Open the windows if you’re socialising indoors (a good chance to don that festive knitwear to stay warm!)

Be kind and show respect to residents, staff in hospitality businesses and frontline health and emergency services workers.

Use NHS 111 for non-emergency health issues to ease pressure on Emergency Departments.

Contact your own GP rather than a local surgery if you become ill while on holiday in Cornwall.

Dr John Garman, NHS Kernow governing body member, said:

“Cases of COVID are circulating across Cornwall. The best way to protect yourself, your family, friends and our NHS is to get yourself vaccinated. If you’re 18 or older, you can book your first, second and booster jabs now by calling 119 or online at www.nhs.uk

“Demand is high, but we have lots of vaccine and clinics open across the county, including in our pharmacies, and many more opening every day. Visit www.kernowccg.nhs.uk for details of clinic times near where you live.”

Malcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall, said:

“It’s a season of goodwill so let’s show respect to those around us while having a good time with our family and friends. You may be on a break but workers in the hospitality industry aren’t. They are doing their best to ensure you have a good time so make sure you’re kind and respectful to them. That goes for emergency and healthcare workers too, who have been working tirelessly on behalf of all of us. Christmas is a great time to appreciate everything our Cornwall has to offer but let’s make sure we do it safely.”