Thanks to the ongoing efforts of residents, businesses and visitors in the fight back against Covid, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will no longer be designated an Enhanced Response Area (ERA) from October 1.

It follows a substantial drop in virus case numbers and an increase in vaccination uptake since ERA status began on Friday, August 27.

However, Covid hasn’t gone away and Cornwall Council’s Public Health team is asking everyone to remain vigilant, stay cautious and be respectful to keep cases low.

Residents and visitors are also reminded that the best way to fight the virus is to get vaccinated while also remembering the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ guidance.

Anyone with classic Covid or unexplained symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR test and those who are asymptomatic are asked to continue testing twice a week at home with free lateral flow tests.

It is vital that everyone plays their part to keep Covid levels as low as possible as we head towards winter when health services typically come under considerably more pressure.

Being an ERA meant the Council could make use of additional support and resources, on top of the wide-ranging measures already being implemented to keep residents safe.

The Public Health team has thanked residents, visitors and businesses for their help in driving down case numbers, and for taking up the vaccine offer in greater numbers.

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Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "The extra help proved useful in driving our case numbers down and we would like to thank everyone who has done their bit to help.

"However, the fight against the virus is most definitely not over and I would urge everyone, whether you are a resident or visitor, to get your jabs and remain cautious.

"We know that following the trusted ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ guidance is crucial to keeping the virus out of our communities, and I would also remind people to test regularly with Lateral Flow Tests if you have no symptoms, and to self-isolate and book a PCR test if you do have symptoms.

"Only by staying vigilant can we stay on top of Covid, keep each other safe and protect our health services."

Cllr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health, added: "It’s good news that we’ve managed to bring case numbers down in Cornwall but the virus is still out there and we need everyone to do their bit to help protect each other.

"The recent rise in cases continues to take its toll on the NHS so it’s vital that people take precautions, follow the guidance and get their vaccinations as soon as possible.

"This is doubly important as we head towards the winter when health services typically come under much more pressure."