Residents in Cornwall are being urged to help protect essential workers and frontline staff by getting jabbed and taking precautions to minimise the spread of Covid.

Cornwall council has said transmission of the Omicron variant is already having a huge impact on many of Cornwall’s vital services and infrastructure.

Director of Public Health, Rachel Wigglesworth, has said the only way to ensure life carries on smoothly is to get jabbed.

She said: "Covid doesn’t just affect you and your health – it can also cause huge disruption to everyone’s lives.

"You never know who you might spread it to.

"The more the virus is allowed to circulate, the more likely it is that teachers will be unable to teach, bus drivers will be unable to drive, nurses will be unable to work... the list goes on.

"The only way to ensure life carries on as smoothly as possible is for everyone to take responsibility, follow the government guidance, and get jabbed and boosted.

"It’s never too late to get your first or second dose – no one will judge you and you’ll be doing your part to protect both yourself and those around you."

Cllr Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health and an Emergency Department consultant at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, added: "I have seen first-hand the impact Covid has had on the NHS and would urge everyone to do what they can to help protect all of our essential workers.

"Without them all the services we rely on could grind to a halt causing huge disruption to people’s lives.

"So make sure you get your jabs and booster as the vaccine does help prevent the spread of Covid as well as providing protection.

"We'd also ask everyone to act responsibly to keep the spread to a minimum by taking a Lateral Flow Test before socialising, wearing face coverings when required, maintaining good hand hygiene, and keeping your distance from other people wherever possible."

Iain Davidson, chief pharmacist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "It’s really important people take up the offer of being vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and our NHS and care system.

"The impact of covid is being felt across our health and care services and our ability to provide services.

"We vaccinated an incredible 88% of our eligible population with their booster dose before the end of the year, but it’s not too late for people to get their 1st, 2nd or booster jabs from one of the many sessions across Cornwall.

"Visit kernowccg.nhs.uk, nhs.uk for booked appointments, or the NHS grab a jab web-site for details of walk-in sessions."