Self-isolation

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection. If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (a new continuous cough and / or high temperature), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

If you live with others, anyone who develops symptoms in your household must stay at home for 7 days – and everyone else in the household who remains well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

For more information about when to call 111 and advice about staying at home see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Social distancing

All members of the public should remain at home unless absolutely necessary (for essential food supplies, medical care, essential work or one form of exercise per day but not in a group). Full details are available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others .

Those who are over 70, have underlying health conditions or are pregnant are advised to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

Shielding

Those who are extremely vulnerable (have organ transplants, specific cancers, severe respiratory diseases, have genetic conditions that increase risk of infection, are on immunosuppression therapies that significantly increase risk of infection or are pregnant with an underlying heart condition) to remain home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact.

CORONAVIRUS TESTING

People who are self-isolating with minor symptoms are not being tested. Priority for testing is being given to those in critical care for pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), other hospitalised patients with pneumonia or ARDS, or where there is an outbreak in a residential or care setting, for example long-term care facility or prison.

Officials are working to increase the number of tests that can be conducted by Public Health England and the NHS to 25,000 a day. The increased capacity is expected to be ready within four weeks (mid-April), with highest-priority cases being tested first.

Coronavirus: how to help vulnerable people safely Government guidance has been published to support volunteers and others to safely help vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic. Helping or providing care for a vulnerable person is one of only four reasons people are currently permitted to leave their homes, and this must always be done safely, including by minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are two metres (six feet) apart from anyone outside your household. The full guidance can be viewed here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely--2/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely

If anyone has any questions or issues the Parish Clerk is working from home and should be able to answer the phone (01327 301570) or respond to e-mails (longbuckbyparishcouncil@yahoo.com) throughout the day.  Please keep in touch and stay safe.

Finally, it can't be said enough but thank you and well done for the amazing work that you are all doing.