LATEST figures show 41 cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus have been identified in Wiltshire.

The variant was first detected in India, and in total in England there have been 39,061 in England.

Although it is a variant, the message from Wiltshire Council is that it is still COVID, and if people keep following the behaviour we’ve all got used to (washing hands, masks etc) then that will keep as many people as safe as possible.

Rachel Kent, Public Health Consultant at Wiltshire Council, says with everything in place and available, "we should have enough tools to manage COVID locally as much as possible.”

Rachel added: "It was always expected that case numbers would rise with the easing of restrictions, and no matter what the variant is, it’s still COVID, so we need people to continue with those same basic behaviours that have been in place for well over a year. Keep washing hands regularly or sanitising them, wear a face mask where required, socially distance as much as possible, and if you have COVID symptoms, please book a test and self-isolate immediately.

"It’s also important that people get vaccinated when it’s offered to them, and ensure they get their second dose to get even more protection. Having windows open when meeting people indoors is another really simple but effective measure.

“Those who are symptom-free can also readily get access to free lateral flow tests as these help to break transmission. We work very closely with our health colleagues and are responding effectively to any COVID cases that need our attention."

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