Posted on Saturday 21st March 2020
People are being urged to ensure they are do everything they can to minimise social contact to help combat the spread of coronavirus and protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
On Friday March 20 the Prime Minister stepped up measures in further by announcing the closing of pubs, cafes, restaurant, leisure centres and similar venues.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire’s Director of Health and Care, said:
It is critical that people follow the measures set out in national guidance as much as they can and to significantly limit face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible. This is especially important if people are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant.
This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks so we’d ask people to consider what they can do to help us respond to the risk of the virus as effectively as we can.”
The county council’s public health today urged people to follow the social distancing guidance below:
• Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
• Work from home, if it is possible. Your employer should support you to do this
• It is fine to go out for a walk or exercise but avoid direct contact with people – and stick to the 2m distance rule
• Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces
• Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
• Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services and don’t contact NHS 111 unless you already have symptoms and these worsen
• As well as the above – remembers the best way to reduce the spread is still to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds