The roll out of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination is excellent news, says Devon’s Director of Public Health, but caution is still needed, he warns.
Steve Brown said:
“I’ve heard various heart-warming stories of gratitude from people in the first priority groups who have recently had their initial coronavirus vaccination – descriptions of the relief they feel, and the promise of getting back to a normal life.
“It is indeed excellent news, but we need to remember that the vaccination is just part of the solution, rather than the cure itself.
“The vaccination protects those who have had it from becoming seriously ill with coronavirus. However, there is no evidence yet to suggest that the vaccination stops a person from actually catching the virus, nor therefore prevents them from transmitting the virus to others.
“Even when you have had the vaccination, you still need to follow the public health measures and continue to take steps to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
“That means, keep up with social distancing, wearing of face coverings when in public spaces, and washing your hands properly and regularly.
“Please continue to stay at home and avoid unnecessary journeys out of the house.
“Remember if you are identified as a close contact of a person who has tested positive you will still need to self-isolate for 10 days, even if you have had the vaccine.
“If you’ve been vaccinated because you work in health or social care, you still need to be tested regularly to ensure that you’re not infectious, even if you show no symptoms.”
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