Residents and visitors are being urged to protect themselves by following the safety guidance about Covid-19.

Numbers of cases in Northumberland have been increasing over the last month – particularly in people in their 20s.

There are simple steps you can take to minimise the risk of catching coronavirus: by washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds, complying with social distancing, self isolating and getting a test if symptomatic – and responding to NHS Test and Trace if positive or if contact traced.

The easing of lockdown measures is being supported by NHS Test and Trace which ensures that anyone who develops symptoms can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus.  If the test is positive, the service then traces close recent contacts and notifies them that they must self-isolate at home for 14 days to help stop the spread of the virus.

This is because it may take up to 14 days for symptoms to develop.  Even if you have a test before this time is up and it comes back negative, you’ll still have to continue your 14 day self-isolation period because symptoms may develop after that.

You should only request a test if you are experiencing symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council, said: “Even though the number of cases in Northumberland is lower than many other areas, numbers are increasing and we need to remember that we are still in the midst of a pandemic.  To prevent spreading this virus, people must make every effort to comply with the guidance around social distancing, handwashing,the use of face coverings, get tested when they have symptoms and quarantine when required.

“In Northumberland we have also seen an increase in the number of people who have returned from holiday and tested positive for Covid. Anyone who has visited a country that requires them to quarantine on return to the UK, must not leave their home to go back to work or allow children back into school – it is essential they stay at home, keep visitors away and ask someone else to do their shopping.”

Cllr Glen Sanderson, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council added: “It is really important that we all play our part in preventing the spread of Covid.

“If NHS Test and Trace contact you and ask you to isolate, or if you are returning from a country that requires you to quarantine, it is vital you do this.

“People might be tempted to get a test, thinking it will shorten the quarantine period.  This is not the case.  Having a negative test during your 14 day quarantine does not mean you can stop self-isolating.

 “We all need to do our bit in the battle against Covid.  Protect yourself, protect others, and protect Northumberland.”

For more information and advice around protecting yourself and others from Covid-19 please visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus