Both (east and west) Cheshire councils have confirmed cases of people infected with the Covid-19 virus and released statements today to update residents on the situation.
Cheshire East Council statement
Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Cheshire East Council has been made aware of a case of Covid-19 within the borough and is working with partners.
“We are in regular contact with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England to ensure that the very latest protocols are adhered to.
“The current advice for travellers is that if you have been to one of the countries highlighted by PHE, you should follow the instructions on their website – please don’t go to your GP or local walk-in centre/A&E.
“Advice on how people can protect themselves can be found on the NHS website.
“Prevention is always better than cure, so, as with the flu virus, the most effective way for people to protect themselves from Covid-19 is to adopt good respiratory and hand hygiene to prevent the risk of infection and a ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach to coughs and sneezes.
“As the situation develops guidance is updated daily.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “Following the announcement that an individual in the Macclesfield area has been confirmed as having the coronavirus, Public Health England (PHE) is working in partnership with Cheshire East Council.
“Patients and staff can be reassured that their safety is the top priority and patients are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.”
For more information and advice on coronavirus (Covid-19) visit the PHE website.
The NHS website provides the latest advice on how to protect you and your family from coronavirus.
Cheshire West and Chester Council statement
We can confirm three cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been recorded for the first time in Cheshire West and Chester.
Due to patient confidentiality, the exact locations and details of the cases cannot be published. We continue to stress the importance of regular hand washing to residents.
We understand that this announcement may cause concern but we want to reassure residents that we are continuing to work closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all our health and care partners to help delay further spread of the virus.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is also working closely with the NHS and other partners to ensure that residents have the most up to date information.
Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council advises: “Our key priority is the health and safety of our residents. We can all play our part in helping delay the spread of Coronavirus by the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.”
You can take these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often and before eating, drinking or touching your face
- Cover you your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
• a high temperature (37.8 degrees and above)
• a new, continuous cough
If you think you have these symptoms – do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
Only use the 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 daysMore information for the public on the outbreak of coronavirus can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Read more…
http://www.so-counties.co.uk/coronavirus-event-cancellations-and-changes/
