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?

Scientists are not yet 100% certain about how this virus spreads but it's likely it's via droplets from coughs and sneezes. The virus spreads easily 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.

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 (37.8 degrees or higher)

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

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

  • Stay at home for 7 days - this means not going out at all - do this even if you think your symptoms are mild;
  • Ask for help - if you're finding it hard to stay at home - text, email, phone, friends, family, employers or your local 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 7 days - 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 minimise the spread;
  • Drink plenty of fluids - and take everyday pain killers like paracetamol;
  • Keep cleaning - keeping surfaces clean helps minimise the spread;
  • Avoid people at risk - people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions are more likely to be affected help keep them safe.

USEFUL LINKS:

News

Coronavirus Measures - Update 11th May 2020

More detail has been published today following the Prime Minister's address to the nation last night.

It's a 50-page document and so, whilst I have included a link to it below, I have set out the main points here, with links to where you can find out more.

The Prime Minister's Statement - Update on Coronavirus

The Prime Minister has addressed the nation this evening, giving an important update on the measures we are taking to tackle coronavirus. 

The main points are above, with a video of the speech, or you can read the entire speech below.

 

The Prime Minister's Statement

Embedded thumbnail for West Oxfordshire's Unsung Heroes

West Oxfordshire's Unsung Heroes

We are all aware of the immense debt of gratitude we owe our frontline workers who are doing everything they can to keep us safe and healthy as we tackle Coronavirus: be that NHS workers, social care staff, the police and other emergency services.

Information for British Nationals Abroad

✈️ BRITISH NATIONALS ABROAD ✈️

The Government is working around the clock to support and advise British citizens abroad, and to help them get home. My team and I have already helped a number of local residents to get home, and are in regular contact with several more.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Leaflet

In just a few short weeks, the Coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed everyday life in this country. We all feel the profound impact of Coronavirus not just on ourselves, but on our loved ones and our local communities.

Coronavirus Volunteering - Help, Advice & Contacts

There are lots of wonderful volunteering groups springing up all over West Oxfordshire, looking to help those who are self-isolating or ill, and I have brought together some of the advice that is available on how to do this safely and well, on this page - as well as links to those who are offerin