As Coronavirus continues to spread, it is vital that we come together as a community and do all we can to protect the most vulnerable in society, our loved ones, and ourselves.
Each day my team and I receive hundreds of emails from constituents. While my office will still continue to do our best to answer enquiries promptly, all priority will now be given to answering messages and helping residents with regards to the Coronavirus.
And in his first daily brief, the Prime Minister, alongside the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser, announced the latest measures we all need to take. These include:
INCREASED SOCIAL DISTANCING
Work from home where possible.
Stop unnecessary travel.
Avoid gatherings with friends or family, and crowded places – this includes pubs, clubs, cinemas, restaurants, bars and all other social venues.
THE 'VULNERABLE' SECTOR
In a few days time, those who fall into the 'vulnerable' sector in society will be asked to shield themselves from social contact for around 12 weeks.
You fall into this category if you are over the age of 70, under the age of 70 but usually advised to have the flu vaccination each year, or pregnant. To see if you fall into this category, see this list: https://www.gov.uk/…/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-ever…
HOUSEHOLD ISOLATION
If anyone in the household has either or both of the two key symptoms (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough) then everyone in the household must self-isolate for 14 days.
This includes not going out other than for exercise – always maintaining a safe distance from others.
This will mean relying on either relatives, friends, or the local community to help out where they can (e.g. fetching food or essentials and delivering them outside your doorstep).
If you live by yourself and have either or both of the two key symptoms, you must self-isolate for 7 days.
CALLING 111
It is important to stress that we should all only use the NHS hotline 111 when we really need to.
The majority of those who have symptoms will only have a mild or moderate disease and thus do not need to rely on the NHS for support. Instead, please go to the NHS website and follow the appropriate advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR2T1mifhcYCZ3pLZe3RjMNRQdzMKpv_wxW8ANJwFTisO5AFB7fmkVb1VXY
It is important this line is kept clear for the small minority who will suffer significantly from the virus.
WHATS NEXT?
My Facebook, Twitter, Website and Newsletter will continue to provide regular updates and information that may be useful to residents, so make sure to check these regularly over the upcoming weeks and months.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GilesWatling
Website: https://www.gileswatling.co.uk/
Newsletter: https://www.gileswatling.co.uk/join-clacton-conversation-2