Statement:

Following the amber cold weather alert, issued today by the UKHSA, Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England – South West, said: “As we head into a very cold spell it’s important for people with pre-existing medical conditions to take extra care, especially the elderly or those with heart or lung diseases. Checking in on the people in your life who are vulnerable over the next few days can be lifesaving as well as bringing a bit of festive cheer on a dark day.”

“The cold weather also means conditions out and about are likely to be more dangerous, so if you are travelling by car, bicycle or foot take a little extra care to avoid ending up in an accident – it’s better to arrive safe than not to arrive at all.”

Speaking about how busy the NHS is at the moment, Dr Varney-Bennett added: “No one wants to start a new year in hospital or waiting in A&E with something that could have been preventable, and there are things we can all do to keep well this winter.

“We still haven’t seen the peak of flu season. It’s not too late to get the flu vaccination to protect yourself and those you love.

“And if you do become unwell, keeping on top of hand washing with soap and water regularly, using tissues to catch and bin running noses and sneezes. Stay home if you are sick with plenty of fluid and over the counter medicines for aches and pains. As we learnt with covid, this all help stop the spread of winter bugs.”