Shop safe, shop local to help #stopthespread this Christmas

Residents should shop safe and shop local this Christmas to help #stopthespread in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council is urging residents not to be complacent over the busy holiday shopping season and keep up the good work to help control infection rates across the county.

The latest figures show a small increase in figures for the week ending 4 December. A total of 568 people tested positive in Oxfordshire. This is the equivalent of a weekly rate of 82.1 per 100,000 compared to 78.8 per 100,000 in the week ending 27 November.

These figures come as the first wave of vaccinations begin on the over 80s and some frontline health and care workers across the county.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “While everyone is looking forward to the holiday period, we must all do our bit to ensure that infection rates stay under control and we do not see a return to additional restrictions in the new year.

“It’s really important when we do go out, whether to go shopping or out for a meal, we all adhere to national guidelines, socially distance, wear a mask, wash our hands, and stay in ventilated places as much as possible. We are also encouraging residents to shop locally and avoid going into crowded areas at busy times.

“Although vaccinations have begun for those in priority groups, two doses of the vaccine spaced 3 weeks apart are needed to make sure it is effective and full protection does not begin until seven - 10 days after the second jab. Therefore, it’s up to all of us to do our bit so that we all can enjoy a very happy holiday season.”