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for Walsall North

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COVID-19

Information about COVID-19 

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What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a ‘type’ of virus. The coronavirus we are all affected by is called COVID-19, but you may also hear it called - coronavirus.

How serious is COVID-19?

The evidence shows us that the vast majority of people who get this virus have relatively mild symptoms and make a full recovery. But in a small percentage of cases, the virus can cause more severe symptoms. This is particularly true for people with a weakened immune system, for older people and for those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. 

What are the symptoms?

If you are infected you may have very minor symptoms, minor symptoms or more severe symptoms, but the NHS cites two symptoms to look out for as:

  • A new continuous cough
  • A fever or high temperature

What should I do if I have either of the above symptoms?

  • Protect others - don't call NHS 111
  • Protect others - don't call, or go to your GP
  • Protect others - don't go to your local hospital

If you live alone - isolate yourself at home immediately for 7 days

If you live with others - you should all isolate yourselves at home for 14 days - this 14-day period starts from the day the first person in the home noticed the symptoms.

The evidence suggests - your staying at home for 14 days will significantly reduce the number of people in the community that will become infected with the virus.

For anyone in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14-day isolation period.

If at-risk people share your home - such as those who are older and those with underlying health conditions - it is advisable for them to move out, perhaps to stay with friends or family for the whole isolation period. They need to minimise contact with others during this period whether or not they are able to move out.

For further information read this government advice on staying at home and isolating.

What should I do if self-isolation is difficult?

  • You can't manage with your symptoms at home
  • Your conditions get worse
  • Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

You should use the online 111 service or if you can't use the online service call 111

How can you avoid getting and spreading the virus?

Scientists think the virus spreads via droplets from coughs and sneezes and we know it spreads easily and can stay on surfaces for a while. It's possible that a lot of us will get it and be affected by it, but if you follow the advice below you will reduce your risk and the risk to others.

  • Avoid non-essential contact with others - work from home if you can, avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and mass gatherings
  • Wash your hands - with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. Do this before leaving home and after returning home, before eating and drinking, and after coughing or sneezing
  • Cover your mouth and nose - with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze - tissue in the bin and wash, or disinfect, your hands immediately
  • Don't touch your face - especially your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Clean surfaces - disinfect surfaces around you  - especially mobiles, computers, keyboards, worktops, desks, handles...

Isolating yourself

  • Stay at home for 7 (individual) or 14 (group) days - this means not going out at all - do this even if you think your symptoms are mild
  • Ask for help - if you find it hard to stay at home - text, email, phone, friends, family, employers or your community to get help - but they mustn't come into your home
  • Keep your distance - keep 2 metres (around 3 steps) away from others - including family - for the full period - do not go to your GP surgery or hospital
  • Sleep alone - if you can sleep alone you must - it will help ensure people you live with aren't infected
  • Keep washing your hands - often and for 20 seconds with soap and water helps
  • Drink plenty of fluids - and take everyday pain killers like paracetamol if you need to
  • Keep cleaning - so you keep surfaces clean
  • Reduce contact with at risk people - people over 70, women who are pregnant and those with underlying health conditions are more at risk - help keep them safe.

Keep up-to-date with government information about coronavirus (COVID-19) here 

FOR REGULARLY UPDATED ADVICE PLEASE SEE BELOW:

Press release: UK reaches 200,000 coronavirus testing capacity target a day early

Following the rapid expansion of coronavirus testing, the UK reached the 200,000 capacity target on Saturday 30 May, including capacity f

Speech: Dame Louise Casey's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 May 2020

Statement from Dame Louise Casey, the Prime Minister’s advisor on rough sleeping, on the efforts to support rough sleepers during the cor

Speech: Communities Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 May 2020

The Communities Secretary on the government’s response to COVID-19.

Policy paper: Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 31 May 2020

Press conference slides and datasets used by Dr Jenny Harries.

News story: Prime Minister hails resilience of shielders as restrictions set to ease

Extremely vulnerable people who have been “shielding” in England to be able to spend time outdoors.

Press release: Government gives green light to resumption of compeitive sport behind closed doors

DCMS publishes 'stage three' of its elite and professional sport guidance

Speech: Oliver Dowden’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 30 May 2020

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary gave the 30 May 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandem

Detailed guide: Coronavirus: theory tests

Theory tests are currently suspended due to coronavirus, but you can apply for an emergency theory test if you’re a critical worker.

News story: Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response

The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is grow

Detailed guide: The R number in the UK

The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by 1 infected person.

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Government Updates

For regularly updated information please check gov.uk

You can sign up for email alerts here

NHS Information

If you or a family member are experiencing any symptoms, please visit this site for up to date advice.

Advice for Pregnant Women

Women who are pregnant are being strongly advised to reduce social contact and stay at home. Please find more advice here

Business Support

You can keep up to date with advice from the Government on how to prepare and manage the impact that COVID-19 may have on your business

Please click here for more information.

FCO Travel Guidance

If you are planning to travel, currently on holiday or living overseas, please follow the guidance provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following the outbreak of Coronavirus.

Claiming Benefits

Benefit reviews and reassessments have been suspended for three months (as of 24/03/2020)

For information and support on Coronavirus and claiming benefits please click here

Walsall Council

Please email COVID-19communityhelp@walsall.gov.uk or call 01213806690 to access support and localised information for older and vulnerable people in Walsall borough.

Making Connections Walsall Council

Walsall Council are also collecting donations of protective equipment (disposable aprons, latex/Nitrell gloves, masks, hand sanitiser, overshoes) for front line care workers & volunteers providing critical support to vulnerable residents. Please call 01922 655835 if you can help

Eddie Hughes MP for Walsall North

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