Over 97,000 people in Portsmouth have now received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and there were 32 new cases of coronavirus reported in the city in the last seven days.
However, it’s important to remember that the virus is still with us, including the UK variant that spreads much more easily. When we meet with more people, there are more opportunities for the virus to spread so it’s more important than ever to stick to hands, face, space and letting fresh air in.
We’re asking you to stay alert this weekend ahead of the rule changes on Monday – keep doing your bit to protect Portsmouth.
Get the latest local information
More changes are due to come into force on Monday as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
What’s changing:
- More venues can open, including all retail, outdoor hospitality, personal care, outdoor attractions and some indoor leisure venues like gyms, though restrictions are still in place to keep people safe
- Indoor children’s activities can resume, including sports and junior swimming lessons. Parent and child groups can also take place inside with up to 15 parents in attendance.
- More people – up to 15 – can attend weddings, wakes and other commemorative events. Up to 30 people can attend funerals.
- You can use self-contained accommodation, as long as households don’t have to share indoor facilities.
What’s not changing:
- Don’t meet indoors with people you don’t live with, or aren’t already in a childcare bubble or support bubble with.
- The rule of six is still in place – up to six people who don’t live together will be able to meet outside. Two households can also meet outside. Stay a safe distance from those not in your household.
- Keep sticking to hands, face, space and let fresh air in too.
- You should continue to work from home wherever possible.
- Testing is still essential. Ask for a test if you’ve got symptoms – a new continuous cough, a temperature or a loss of or change to your sense of taste or smell – and get into the habit of regular asymptomatic testing.
- International holidays still aren’t allowed.
As businesses start to re-open, we encourage residents to Go shop, Go eat, Go safe and Go local.
From Monday 12 April non-essential businesses, including retail, personal care, outdoor areas at hospitality venues and indoor sports and leisure, can re-open.
The council has been working closely with shopping centres and retailers to make sure the high street is as safe as it can be and will be on hand in Commercial Road at peak times to monitor the situation.
You can help protect Portsmouth by:
- Queuing responsibly
- Not blocking doorways
- Wearing a face covering in Cascades and inside shops (unless you are exempt)
- Being kind to others
- Downloading and using the NHS COVID-19 app to check in to venues
Portsmouth’s asymptomatic test site has moved from the Guildhall to Somerstown Central.
From Friday 9 April, anyone can take up asymptomatic testing – when you don’t have symptoms – as one in three who get the virus don’t get symptoms but can spread it. Taking up regular free testing – by booking appointments or collecting home test kits – will help slow the spread of coronavirus.
Somerstown Central is open between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, or 8am-1.30pm Saturday and Sunday. No appointment is needed for home test kit collection. Book supervised test appointments online.
