Unfortunately, Covid-19 is circulating again in our communities at increasing levels and infecting people of all ages. Along with the rest of the country, we have seen an increase in Covid-19 cases in South Gloucestershire. Over the week to Monday 21 September, there were 33 new cases which indicates a rate of 14.7 per 100,000 population in our area. While our figures remain below the all-England rate of 38.per 100,000, they are currently higher than the overall South West rate of 11.0 per 100,000).

It is clear that we all need to work to prevent a local lockdown. We must regularly wash our hands for at least 20 seconds, wear a face covering to reduce the risk of transmission and stay two metres apart from those not in our household whenever possible and at least one metre apart with additional precautionary measures where it’s not possible.

Some people with symptoms are finding it difficult to book a Covid-19 test. You should only get a test if you have symptoms and you should book a test online www.nhs.uk or call 119. The NHS and Department of Health and Social Care, who run the booking portal and the test facilities, advise people to keep trying the website at different times of the day as more slots for tests are made available.

This week the government launched the NHS Covid-19 app. Every person who downloads the app will be helping in the fight against Covid-19. The app is part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and Wales. It will be used, alongside traditional contact tracing, to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive.

The app allows people to report symptoms, order a test, check in to venues by scanning a QR code. It helps the NHS trace those who may have Covid-19 and understand where and how quickly the virus is spreading, so local authorities such as ourselves can respond quickly to stop it spreading further and save lives.

The app protects users’ anonymity - nobody, including the government, will know who or where a particular user is.

Certain businesses across England and Wales such as pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas must now download and display NHS QR code posters so customers who have the app can use their smartphones to easily check-in. The businesses will also need to provide a pen and paper customer log.

The posters are a quick and secure way for visitors to anonymously register that they've been to a venue. By supporting the official poster system, businesses will be protecting their visitors and their business. This will help to slow the spread of the virus, reduce the impact of any second wave, and help normal life to resume more quickly.

All of us must do our bit too. Let’s remember: Hands. Face. Space.