People in Cornwall are being urged to stay safe and keep following government guidance on 'hands, space, face and fresh air', after a rise in Covid cases across the country over the last fortnight.

Residents and visitors alike are being urged to stay vigilant and not let the virus get a foothold in communities once more.

Cornwall has seen a slow but steady rise in cases over the past week, after what had been a fall.

Cornwall Council’s public health team is continuing to follow up on all new cases, as it has throughout the pandemic. With vaccination rates in Cornwall amongst the highest anywhere in the UK, they are encouraging residents to continue to help by taking up a Covid jab when it is offered.

Everyone is also being urged to follow the latest Roadmap rules and social distancing guidelines, self-isolate when required and use rapid Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) twice a week to help identify anyone who has the virus with no symptoms.

They should also self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test if they experience Covid symptoms – namely a high temperature, new cough or a change to their sense of smell or taste.

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Rachel Wigglesworth, director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Our message is simply follow the latest government guidance and when you are offered a jab – take it.

"We understand people want to socialise and meet up with friends after such a long time under tough restrictions, but we are urging everyone to remember the basic rules that got us to this point – wash your hands often, wear a face covering indoors and try to keep your distance from people where possible.

“With the summer season getting into full swing it is now more important than ever that we follow the public health guidance. Let’s work together to keep Covid on the ropes in Cornwall.”

Professor Mike Wade, deputy regional director and NHS regional director of Public Health for Public Health England South West said cases of Covid-19 and the Delta variant were rising across the south west and the team was "continuously monitoring its spread and severity" to ensure they took rapid public health action.

He added that around one in three people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms but could still infect others and he urged everyone to take the rapid flow tests twice a week, which give results in half an hour.

Cllr Andy Virr, portfolio holder for adults and public health at Cornwall Council, said: “We are working hard to keep Cornwall as Covid-safe as possible this summer and I would urge everyone to keep following the rules and respect each other.

“Keep a mask and a bottle of sanitiser in your pocket, try to keep some space between yourself and other people, remember to keep testing with the LFT kits, and get vaccinated when eligible – both jabs!

“Let’s make this summer season as safe and successful as we possibly can and keep Covid cases down.”