Kent County Council has launched a winter health campaign celebrating Kent and Medway’s hard-working key workers.

Now running on buses and posters, with support online, the campaign reminds us all of the steps we can take to stay well this winter.

A teacher, pharmacist, store assistant and a nurse all feature with a reminder that, in protecting ourselves, we help protect key workers so that they can go to work as safely as possible.

The campaign is part of the ‘Protect Kent and Medway’ initiative that launched in the early days of Covid-19 and which has evolved alongside the pandemic, with the aim of keeping all residents as safe as possible.

Community spread of the more transmissible Omicron variant of Covid-19 means that taking steps to protect ourselves and our community remains vital. The campaign also features reminders of the actions we can all take to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible.

Kent County Council Interim Director of Public Health, Allison Duggal said: “Omicron numbers are now increasing exponentially across Kent and Medway and it’s crucial we do all we can to help limit the spread of the virus, especially over the festive season and during winter.

“There are things we can all do to help protect ourselves and our key workers so that they can go to work as safely as possible.

“We urge residents to book their Covid-19 booster. If you haven’t had a jab yet, we know that even one dose provides some protection, while a full course significantly increases that protection.

“Remembering the basics can help much more than people might imagine. Wash or sanitise hands regularly, meet in groups outside, or open doors and windows inside.

“Remember to wear a face covering where required, or in any busy areas, and take regular Lateral Flow tests, even if you’ve been vaccinated.

“In making sure we take these seemingly small actions we can help protect ourselves, our loved ones and the key workers who have worked so tirelessly during this time.”

Covid-19 vaccinations are available to anyone over-12, while anyone over-18 can book their booster jab no less than three months after their second dose.

More information can be found, and vaccinations booked, online at www.nhs.uk. Lateral Flow tests are available across the county for symptom free testing. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/symptomfreetest for details of all the ways to access a test.