Bothenhampton & Walditch Parish Council
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION PAGE
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.
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.
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.
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.
People unable to work for more than seven days because of coronavirus (COVID-19) can obtain an isolation note through a new online service .
The Government’s exact response will be tailored to the nature, scale and location of further cases, including here in Dorset.
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.
USEFUL CONTACTS & LINKS
Dorset Council Coronavirus Coordinated Community Response :
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)
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