Staff at Salisbury District Hospital can breathe a sigh of relief today as, thanks to the impact of lockdown and the success of the vaccination programme, the pandemic finally seems under control locally.

As of 8.15am on Wednesday, April 7, no Covid positive patients are being cared for on the Odstock site.

It is the first time the hospital has been Covid-19-free since September 30.

The absence of Covid patients is undoubtedly good news for staff but in no way should it encourage people to become complacent, a spokesperson for Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust said.

The situation could still change, they stressed, and it remains vital that people keep following the rules and come forward for their jab when invited to do so.

The major milestone comes amid a rapid fall in coronavirus cases across the Wiltshire Council area.

In the latest seven-day period, the week to April 1, 109 infections were reported. That's 29 fewer than the week before.

The rate of new cases across the county now stands at 21.8 per 100,000.

The average for England is 41.

As more businesses prepare to reopen as lockdown is eased further on Monday April 12, Wiltshire Council is urging residents to do the right thing.

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive, said: “We know how important April 12 is for Wiltshire businesses, as they look to recover from this difficult lockdown period. That’s why we’re here to support them with business advice and information available on our website.

“We also all need to keep in mind that although April 12 is a big day for our businesses, we must all continue to follow the guidance – everyone should continue to keep washing their hands; wear a face covering where appropriate; ensure they are effectively socially distancing; and, where possible, businesses should open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate.

“We don’t want cases to rise once again and to take a step back on the Government’s roadmap.”

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