Age UK Dacorum urges clients to continue to take extra care when visiting supermarkets - even after Covid-19 vaccine

Age UK Dacorum is urging clients to continue to take extra care, and remain vigilant when visiting supermarkets, even after they have received their Covid-19 vaccine.

Recent figures released by Hertfordshire County Council show the number of new coronavirus cases in the county continues to fall, however shopping is, the most common source of exposure for new cases.

Between December 30, and January 22, data shared by the county council on the Hertfordshire County Council Facebook page, showed more than 2,500 new cases in Hertfordshire were linked to shopping trips.

The post said: "Here are the most common exposures of coronavirus for Hertfordshire residents in the last month. Please make sure you are following the rules of the national lockdown and stay at home wherever possible. If you have to leave the house for essential shopping, please remember to:

- Wipe your trolley or basket down

- Keep your distance from other shoppers

- Wear a face-covering when entering the shop

- Wash your hands as soon as you get home."

In December, some supermarket chains took decisive action to try and combat the spread of Covid 19.

However, Age UK Dacorum's David Pearce chief executive has asked that more should be done to inform the community where the risks of catching the virus are, along with urging supermarkets to do more.

He said: "At the start of the pandemic, supermarkets introduced the wearing of face masks and gels to wash hands, security guards to ensure people adhered, limiting the numbers in shops, one ways systems, increased cleaning and ensuring people social distanced and encouraging people to shop online.

"When visiting the supermarkets, some of these things have now slackened which does lessen the safety.

"With many of our local businesses sadly closed, many of our clients are facing increased loneliness and isolation, so the only place they can go to meet someone for a chat is the supermarket, which puts them at increased risk of catching the virus.

"Some tips shoppers are asked to take on board while out and about is to ensure hands are sanitised, keep a safe distance apart from others, and avoid rummaging - only touch products that you are buying."

Age UK Dacorum is also reminding people to follow the guidelines and remain vigilant, even after they have received their Covid-19 vaccinations.

For more guidance for residents and businesses during the pandemic from Hertfordshire County Council, click here. For more about Age UK Dacorum visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/dacorum.