Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health are encouraging residents to enjoy the Euro 2020 games safely. Directors are asking people to get a free, rapid COVID-19 test before joining family and friends to watch games and keep to two households or a group of six indoors. This will help keep friends, family and the local community safe.
Testing kits can be collected from local testing centres, pharmacies or can be ordered online to use at home https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Alongside testing, Directors are also urging residents to exercise caution when making plans to mix with people outside their household.
It’s always safer to meet outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. So, when meeting up for games, if possible, set up a screen outside, attend an outdoor event or go to games being put on in a pub garden.
If that’s not possible ensure indoor spaces are kept well-ventilated, and everyone watching continues to follow the basic guidance including social distancing and keeping hands sanitised.
Ian Ashworth, Chair of the Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health Board said:
“This is a great time for football fans who will be excited for the tournament to start, and we want everyone to enjoy themselves, but it is important to do so safely. Whilst it’s great to see some restrictions lifting, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still around, and we all have a personal responsibility to do what we can to protect ourselves and reduce transmission as much as possible. If you catch COVID-19, you may be ok, but you could spread it amongst your friends and family, who may not be as lucky.
“The best thing you can do is arrange to be tested before the match on Sunday and when you’re likely to be around others. Our guidance on testing and advising caution when mixing will ensure we can cheer England on but do it safely. Of course, the best protection against COVID-19 is to be vaccinated against it, so we would encourage you to make sure you get the vaccine – both your first and second dose – when you are offered it, which will keep you safe and will help us all attend football matches in larger numbers in the future.
“We hope everyone watching has a great month and that England win all their games but, most importantly, that everyone stays safe and well.”
Anyone who gets a positive result from a rapid test can book a PCR test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Anyone with the Coronavirus symptoms of a new persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss of sense of taste or smell, should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
For those who need support during this difficult time please visit www.kindtoyourmind.org which has details of 24/7 crisis helplines and resources to help mental wellbeing.