Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

CORONAVIRUS

Information About Coronavirus - COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a ‘type’ of virus. The coronavirus we are all hearing about 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. 

A lot of false information about this virus is being shared - it’s very important that you make sure that the information you use comes from a trusted source - all of the information on this page has been sourced from the NHS and Public Health England.

How can you avoid getting and spreading the virus?

The virus spreads easily via droplets from coughs and sneezes and can stay on surfaces. 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.

  • Clean hands - wash hands with soap and water often and 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 - keep your hands away from your face - especially your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Clean surfaces - disinfect surfaces around you  - especially mobiles, computers, keyboards, worktops, desks, handles;
  • Avoid ill people - stay away from people who have symptoms, and self-isolate if you have symptoms yourself.

Hands, Face, Space: the three simple actions we must all take to keep on protecting each other:

  • Wash hands: keep washing your hands regularly.
  • Cover face: wear a face covering in enclosed spaces.
  • Make space: stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions.

What are the symptoms?

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

  • a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature);
  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual);
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal. 

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

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:

  • Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
  • You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
  • Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.

You can get a free NHS Coronavirus test here.

Isolate yourself immediately

However, if:

  • You are, or become, unable to 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

Isolating yourself

If you have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, you'll usually need to self-isolate for at least 10 days.

You'll usually need to self-isolate for 14 days if:

  • someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
  • someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
  • you've been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

Full NHS guidance on self-isolating can be found here.

USEFUL LINKS:

News

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Walk-In Vaccine Clinic in Witney Welcomes Record Numbers

A Covid-19 ‘grab a jab’ walk in centre in Witney which ran from Monday 26th July to Thursday 29th July welcomed record numbers of over 18’s through the door for their Covid-19 vaccination.  A total of 1,079 residents received their jabs at the centre, set up in the Council’s Town Centre Shop w

Walk-In Vaccine Clinic to Open in Witney

From Monday 26 July anyone aged 18 or over can receive a first or second dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine at a walk-in clinic in Witney Town Shop, 3 Welch Way, Witney, OX28 6JH. The walk-in clinic will be open on the following dates and times: Monday 26 July: 10am-7:30pm Tuesday 27 July: 9:30a

Prime Minister Announces Move to Step 3 of Roadmap

The Prime Minister has today announced that the data supports moving to Step 3 of the Government's Roadmap on easing restrictions. This means that from Monday 17th May: 🏡 People will be able to see their friends and family indoors - subject to the Rule of Six or the meeting of two households

Matt Hancock Sends Message of Thanks to NHS Staff in West Oxfordshire

The Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has sent a message of thanks to NHS staff across West Oxfordshire. Robert said: "I am immensely proud of our local NHS staff and volunteers who are working tirelessly to rollout the vaccine and protect local residents.