PLEASE READ, PRINT AND SHARE. #FrankleyForward
There’s a lot of misinformation doing the rounds about Coronavirus, so I thought it was important to get you the right information. You may be aware that the national action plan for Coronavirus has moved into the ‘Delay phase’. The Delay phase is focusing efforts on flattening the peak of the epidemic outbreak to spread the number of cases over a longer time period so the pressure on the NHS is more manageable.
‘Herd immunity’ is NOT part of this plan, that is a scientific concept, not a goal or a strategy. The goal is to protect life from this virus, with a strategy to protect the most vulnerable and protect the NHS through contain, delay, research and mitigate. We’ll ensure the NHS has the tools it needs to work through this.
Coronavirus is a respiratory disease, usually it starts with a fever followed by a dry cough and then a week later leads to shortness of breath. Most people experience mild symptoms and recover after a couple of weeks. However, Coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Taking basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible.
The Delay phase will introduce different steps over the coming weeks to increase social distancing and reduce the risk to the most vulnerable in society. This means we are refocusing efforts away from contact tracing to asking people with symptoms of a new cough and fever to stay at home and self-isolate.
We have also postponed the Mayoral and PCC elections due in May (so ignore references in our newsletters),
and Birmingham City Council has said it is well prepared, with the Council working closely with Public Health England, the NHS, local schools and universities, businesses and the voluntary and community sector.
Finally, please be considerate of other members of our community. DO NOT panic buy in the shops and instead consider donating to your local food banks; at Hollymoor Church, and New Starts Frankley. Please do not spread false information and think positive, we will get through this and our mental health is just as important. So please think about calling friends and family that may be worried or at risk of isolation.
If you think you may have coronavirus you should access the online coronavirus service. https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 and only call 111 if you do not have access to the internet.
Do NOT visit your GP, pharmacy or hospital as this can risk spreading the virus.
HOW WE WILL BEAT CORONAVIRUS!!
➡️ Washing hands frequently and social distancing:
🤲 Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds.
🧻 When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve.
🧼 Clean surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and tables.
👫 Try your best to avoid physical human contact, like shaking hands, hugging, and kissing.
👨👨👦👦 Avoid all unnecessary social interaction, large gatherings and none essential travel.
👃 Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
➡️ Stay at home if you develop any of the following symptoms:
🌡 A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back.
🦠 A new, continuous cough; this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly.
📱 You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
👵 If you live with someone who is over 70, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay (if possible).
🏠 Everyone else living in the household should completely self-isolate for at least 14 days.
👨⚕️ DO NOT visit your GP, pharmacy or hospital as this can risk spreading the virus.
➡️ When staying at home it is important to do the following:
🙋♂️ Ask your work, friends, family, or neighbours to help get things you need to stay at home.
📏 Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home if possible.
🚂 Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis.
💦 You cannot go for a walk, you should sleep alone, and drink plenty of water.
📦 Make sure you tell delivery drivers to leave items outside for collection.
🗓 Please plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
📞 If you are unable to do this, then please call NHS 111 to request further support.
➡️ Only call the NHS 111 coronavirus helpline if:
💻 You cannot get help online at https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19
❗️ Your condition gets worse very quickly.
🤒 You suffer with underlying health conditions.
🕰 Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days.
🏠 You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home.
➡️ Things we can all do to help each other as a community:
📞 Think about calling friends, family or neighbours that may be worried or at risk of isolation.
🧺 DO NOT panic buy in the shops, there is plenty of food and supplies for everyone.
🥖 Consider donating to your local food banks; at Hollymoor Church, and New Starts Frankley.
💪 Be positive, we will get through this and our mental health is just as important.
❗️ Do not spread false information, only rely on https://gov.uk/coronavirus/
➡️ Stay up to date with the latest government advice at https://gov.uk/coronavirus/
➡️ In an emergency call 999, and for medical advice visit http://111.nhs.uk/covid-19