THERE are ‘five simple things I would encourage people to do,’ says director of Public Health Devon, Steve Brown.

He most importantly urged people to stay at home if they feel unwell.

He adds: ‘With no legal requirement now to self-isolate when you have symptoms of coronavirus, or test positive for it; and with free testing for most people about to end this month, we’ve heard many people say that they are a little uncertain about what they should be doing to keep themselves and others safe.’

He said it because we’re seeing an increase in coronavirus cases again. The latest data shows a 63.4 per cent increase in cases in a seven day period.

So Public Health Devon’s Director has set out five simple actions that he’d encourage everyone to do to protect themselves and others.

1. ‘If you have symptoms of coronavirus, or any infectious illness, eg a cough or high temperature, vomiting or diarrhoea, or if you have tested positive for coronavirus, please stay at home if you can and avoid seeing others until you are feeling better. Employers, I am asking you to encourage your staff to stay home if they are feeling unwell or have tested positive for coronavirus – it must be better to have one person off for a few days, than risk a team of people being off for longer.

2. ‘Face coverings are still required in health settings, such as GP surgeries and in hospitals. Unless you are exempt, please continue to wear face coverings when in indoor public spaces with people you don’t live with.  That includes public transport, hospitality and retail settings.

3. ‘Testing, to identify if you are likely to have coronavirus, is important, so with free lateral flow tests ceasing from the end of this month, I would encourage people to use their current stock to greatest effect, such as testing before visiting older or vulnerable friend and relatives, or before going to your GP practice or to visit someone in hospital. If you test positive, please stay at home for five days or until your symptoms have gone.

4. ‘Keep up with your vaccinations, because they’re proven to help protect you and others from becoming ill.

5. ‘And simple hand hygiene is also still important, not just to protect from coronavirus, but also for fighting other infectious illnesses. It’s a simple precaution, but still effective.’