Coronavirus Advice
During this pandemic (worldwide spread of infection) it is important that we all work together to prevent the spread of the virus and save lives. There are several very simple ways that you can protect yourself and others.
- Wash your hands regularly using soap and hot water. Hands should be washed whenever you enter a house from outside (including your own), after using the toilet, just before preparing food or just before eating. Soap and water are much more effective than hand sanitiser. Hand sanitiser should only be used when soap and water is not available. Only buy hand sanitiser if you need to use it; national stocks are running low and others that desperately need it are running out.
- Always maintain a “social distance” of at least 2m between you and others, except for those who share your household. This helps prevent the spread of the virus in the community.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands. The virus enters the body through these areas and only then can it make you sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow (not your hand) or a tissue and throw the tissue away immediately. By using your elbow or a tissue, you capture any droplets that may contain the virus and stop those entering the mouths and noses of those within 2m of you.
- If you are ill, stay at home. If you live alone and you have a new, persistent cough or a high temperature above 37.8C then you should self-isolate (not leave your house at all) for 7 days. If you live with others and anyone in the house has a new, persistent cough or a high temperature above 37.8C then you should all self-isolate for 14 days. If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days or you have trouble breathing, the visit NHS 111 online or phone 111. DO NOT attend A&E or the GP – by doing so you risk infecting those medical staff who are working so hard to look after those affected.
- DO NOT wear a face mask. They show no benefit being used in a home or on the street, and they are desperately needed in hospitals to protect doctors and nurses.
- Only get advice from reliable sources (see websites below). If you have no access to the internet. ask your neighbours to print off the webpage or contact the parish secretary.
1-5, World Health Organisation, accessed 23/03/20 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public ; 6-8. UK Government, accessed 23/03/20 https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus