In the run-up to Christmas, it’s understandable that people across Herefordshire plan to celebrate with friends and family. However, it’s also important to remember that COVID-19 will not take a break over the festive period. Therefore, Herefordshire Council asks all residents to follow government guidance and advises residents to prioritise who you meet with, so you don’t miss out on seeing those who are most important to you.

Members of the council’s testing team will be in Ross this week, giving out home testing kits.

They will be at Morrisons on Christmas Eve (Friday) from 9am to 3pm, then on Monday (December 27) from 10am to 4pm.

Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones, acting director of public health for Herefordshire Council, says: "We all want to enjoy Christmas. But it’s important to remember that the best present you can give friends and family is their safety. This is why we are asking people to think about who they are meeting, prioritising those who are most important to them and limit other social contacts. We’re also asking residents to take steps to celebrate safely when they do meet friends and family.

"Testing is also a vital part of reducing the spread of this virus. We want people to enjoy themselves while staying safe. So, if you do plan to meet people outside your household you should take a lateral flow test beforehand.

"If you haven’t yet had your vaccination or booster, now is the time to book.

"And don’t forget the other important measures we should all be taking every day to reduce the spread of the virus - keep washing and sanitising hands; wear face coverings when out shopping, in places of worship and on public transport; work from home where possible and let fresh air into indoor spaces.

"And if you have a temperature, cough, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, no matter how mild, you need to isolate and get a PCR test as quickly as possible."

University students going home for the holidays should take a rapid test before travelling. Lateral flow tests are available free of charge from many pharmacies. The council’s webpage on testing for COVID-19 helps you play your part in keeping safe.

If you have any symptoms, you need to get a PCR test as quickly as possible and isolate until you either get a negative result confirmed or until 10 days have passed from symptoms starting.

Contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19, who have had two doses of the vaccine or are under 18, should take a daily lateral flow test for seven days. Anyone who has not received their first two doses of the vaccine must isolate for 10 days.

Find out more about keeping Herefordshire safe by visiting the council’s website.

Stay up to date with all government advice on coronavirus by visiting: www.gov.uk/coronavirus.