You will see from the news that Coronavirus (otherwise referred to as COVID-19) cases are now increasing in Dorset and the situation continues to develop. It is timely, now, for us to consider what we can do to minimise risk and to help others as the virus starts to make an impact here in our communities.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on 23rd March 2020 and announced the biggest crackdown on freedom of movement since the end of the Second World War; in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect our NHS from being overwhelmed. While appreciating the immense change to our daily lives that this lockdown will bring, it must be welcomed. To put it simply, if too many people become seriously ill at one time, the NHS will not be able to cope – meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other serious illnesses as well.

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The single most important thing you can do is to wash your hands on a regular basis, using soap and hot water for at least twenty seconds; especially after sneezing, coughing or travelling and before handling or eating food. This will be a marathon, not a sprint, and we need to think about how we sustain ourselves, our families and our neighbours during this period – probably well into the summer. Now is also critically the time for social distancing  and to stay at home if you think that you or a member of your family are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, or have possibly been exposed to the virus.

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Call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19  but do not go to your local GP surgery, community pharmacy or Hospital A&E.

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People unable to work for more than seven days because of coronavirus (COVID-19) can obtain an isolation note through a new online service . 

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The Government’s exact response will be tailored to the nature, scale and location of further cases, including here in Dorset.

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The parish  council have created this page to help signpost relevant government and NHS updates, along with some links you may find useful.  

 

If people are self-isolating, but can afford food, you may wish to use the  list of businesses to

get food delivered.  See .pdf file. 

 

A slightly slimmed down version is available athttps://www.bridport-tc.gov.uk/contact-information-for-organisations-in-bridport

 

If people are still stuck, then Bridport Town Ccouncil is working with several Facebook groups who are mobilising volunteers to help.

 

If people are in a vunerable situation, and need food, several organisations, Cupboard Love, Community Fridge, Beacon Soup Kitchen, are trying to sort a plan out where they can co-ordinate and send food via volunteers to people.

                            

THE COVID-19 DASHBOARD

Track coronavirus cases around the UK via Public Health England Tracker

 

BRITAIN IS NOW IN LOCKDOWN

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation tonight (23rd March 2020) and announced the biggest crackdown on freedom of movement since the end of the Second World War; in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect our NHS from being overwhelmed. Britain is now in lockdown.

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USEFUL CONTACTS & LINKS

 

Dorset Council Coronavirus Coordinated Community Response : 

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• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - latest advice

• Dorset Council's response to COVID-19

• Important changes to our services

• Adult social care providers

• Benefits and support

• Bin collection disruption and waste guidance

• Businesses and employers

• Care homes, vulnerable and older people

• Co-ordinated community response

• Employee information

• Looking after yourself

• Schools and families

• Easy Read information about coronavirus

 

UK Government information and advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

 

UK Government news bulletins: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

 

Dorset Council: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-advice.aspx

 

Public Health Dorset: https://www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/news/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information.aspx

 

Public Health England latest: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

 

NHS 111 Online patient advice questionnaire: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

 

NHS Latest news: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

NHS Advice for travellers: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-travellers/

 

NHS Common questions on Coronavirus: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/

 

Foreign Office travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

 

World Health Organisation latest: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

 

Schools/Educational updates: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

 

Department for Education Coronavirus helpline: 0800 046 8687

email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk  Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

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And Finally: here is a link to a web-site that lists a number of on-line activities
for those stuck indoors!

https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home