Public Health information (updated 27 March)
We are following national guidance and sharing advice from Public Health England in relation to the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) while also planning our response to the virus.
Public information
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Public Health England (PHE) have published a range of materials providing information and advice for the public, specific sectors, and health professionals. As you will all be aware there is a range of government guidance for many sectors and in some cases this is updated daily.
All government guidance can be accessed from Gov.uk: coronavirus - for the current situation in the UK.
The latest information from NHS can be accessed from NHS: coronavirus - for public information and advice.
To use the free Gov.uk Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word 'hi' in a WhatsApp message to get started.
How you can help to protect yourself and others
Stay at home and away from others
Anyone can spread Coronavirus. The only reasons to leave home are to:
- shop for basic necessities or pick up medicine
- travel to work when you absolutely cannot work from home
- exercise once a day, alone or with members of your household
Do not meet others, even friends or family.
Gov.uk: Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
#StayHomeSaveLives
Chief Medical Officer, Chris Witty instructs people to #StayHomeSaveLives:
Spot the signs
- high temperature
- new and continuous cough
If you or anyone in your household experiences these symptoms, however mild, everyone must stay at home for 14 days and follow the specific medical advice.
Handwashing advice
To protect yourself and others from coronavirus:
- wash your hands more often for 20 seconds
- use soap and water or a hand sanitiser when you
- get home or into work
- blow your nose, sneeze or cough
- eat or handle food
Shielding
Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically extremely vulnerable by minimising all interaction between those who are extremely vulnerable and others.
We are strongly advising people with serious underlying health conditions, which put them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19), to rigorously follow shielding measures in order to keep themselves safe.
Look after your wellbeing
Information and advice for you to look after yourself and your family's wellbeing throughout the coronavirus outbreak.
