Tips to help you stay safe and well this winter

Published date

Winter can often be a worry for many people.

The colder weather and long winter nights can have an impact on our health and wellbeing at this time of year.

We began 2021 with a national lockdown amid high numbers of COVID-19 cases. As we approach the end of the year COVID-19 has not gone away. We also need to protect ourselves from other common winter bugs and illnesses.

But don’t worry there are lots of things we can all do to help keep ourselves and those around us well this winter.

Public health in Worcestershire has created a handy webpage with lots of useful tips and advice to stay well.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health at Worcestershire County Council said: “There are lots of little things we can do to help stay well this winter.  We’ve been sharing these helpful tips on social media and our new Worcestershire Winters Well webpage on the County Council website. This includes ways to look after both your physical and emotional health during the cold season.”

  • washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is the best way to prevent tummy bugs, COVID-19, and other winter illnesses.
  • wearing a face covering in crowded spaces will help you to stay safe and is now required by law in most indoor settings.
  • boost your immunity by making sure you have your flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they’re offered.
  • when seeing friends and family please take a rapid lateral flow test before you go. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms but can still infect others.
  • try to meet others outdoor where possible, or keep windows open indoor for ventilation
  • keep a distance from people from outside of your household who you would not normally meet.
  • isolate and get a PCR test if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

For more help and advice on how you can keep safe and well this winter visit the Worcestershire Winters Well winter advice pages of the Council's website.