Protect yourself, protect your neighbours, protect the NHS
Important information about the coronavirus epidemic
Corona virus is a new illness that for most people causes mild flu like symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people however suffer serious symptoms which need hospital care. If many people need hospital care at the same time, Hospitals run out of beds, staff, ventilators and drugs, and more people die as a result.
So we have to do everything we can to slow and limit the spread of infection.
Government policy is to stay at home
Why is Social Distancing important?
Without social distancing, 1 infected person might infect 2.5 others within 5 days, and each of them might infect 2.5 more people. Over a month, this will mean that 406 people will become infected.
With social distancing, 1 infected person might infect half that number (1.25 others) within 5 days. Over a month, this will mean that only 15 people will become infected.
Social Distancing drastically reduces the spread of the virus and saves lives.
How do I practice Social Distancing?
Important - note that some people may not be displaying symptoms
What do I do if I have symptoms of coronavirus?
Stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started if you have either:
• a high temperature (or if you feel hot to touch on your chest or back)
• a new continuous cough (if you normally have a cough, it may be worse than usual)Do not go to the GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, as you can pass on the virus to others.
Use the NHS 111 coronavirus website 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 to find out what to do. Only call NHS 111 if you cannot get help online.
If you live with other people, they need to stay at home for 14 days from when your symptoms started. If they develop symptoms during the 14 days, they need to stay at home for another 7 days from when their symptoms started, even if it means they are at home for longer than 14 days in total.
If you live with someone in the vulnerable group who have received an email and then letter from government, follow that advice strictly. Vulnerable groups are more likely to experience complications if they catch the virus.
Can You Help? Do You Need Our Help?
Click here and visit our West Malling Volunteers page for further information.
Important information about the coronavirus epidemic
Corona virus is a new illness that for most people causes mild flu like symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people however suffer serious symptoms which need hospital care. If many people need hospital care at the same time, Hospitals run out of beds, staff, ventilators and drugs, and more people die as a result.
So we have to do everything we can to slow and limit the spread of infection.
Government policy is to stay at home
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home)
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home, for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people. This is called ‘Social Distancing’.
Why is Social Distancing important?
Without social distancing, 1 infected person might infect 2.5 others within 5 days, and each of them might infect 2.5 more people. Over a month, this will mean that 406 people will become infected.
With social distancing, 1 infected person might infect half that number (1.25 others) within 5 days. Over a month, this will mean that only 15 people will become infected.
Social Distancing drastically reduces the spread of the virus and saves lives.
How do I practice Social Distancing?
Important - note that some people may not be displaying symptoms
- Avoid contact with anyone displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Stay at home unless you need essential supplies of food or medicines and to take exercise
- All those able to work from home should do so, unless your work is essential
- Only travel when absolutely necessary
- If you meet others when you are outdoors (for example, on a walk) ensure that you stay at least 2 meters away
- Use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
- Avoid having any visitors to your home unless it is essential
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze and discard the used tissue
- Avoid touching your face
- Only buy the goods you need - this allows others to buy essential items
What do I do if I have symptoms of coronavirus?
Stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started if you have either:
• a high temperature (or if you feel hot to touch on your chest or back)
• a new continuous cough (if you normally have a cough, it may be worse than usual)Do not go to the GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, as you can pass on the virus to others.
Use the NHS 111 coronavirus website 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 to find out what to do. Only call NHS 111 if you cannot get help online.
If you live with other people, they need to stay at home for 14 days from when your symptoms started. If they develop symptoms during the 14 days, they need to stay at home for another 7 days from when their symptoms started, even if it means they are at home for longer than 14 days in total.
If you live with someone in the vulnerable group who have received an email and then letter from government, follow that advice strictly. Vulnerable groups are more likely to experience complications if they catch the virus.
Can You Help? Do You Need Our Help?
Click here and visit our West Malling Volunteers page for further information.