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Robert Courts MP

MP for Witney & West Oxfordshire
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

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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:

  • The "one stop shop" containing everything you need to know about the Government response to coronavirus including help and information on travel, health and finance: gov.uk/coronavirus
  • Answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions: https://tinyurl.com/uwt2nes
  • For the latest guidance for businesses to help you find the right support, advice and information to help with the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19) on your business: businesssupport.gov.uk
  • The Government has launched a new ‘support finder’ tool which will help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to them: Government Support Finder
  • For the latest health information and advice, read NHS pages on coronavirus: NHS.uk/coronavirus
  • Find the UK coronavirus dashboard here: bit.ly/UKCOVID19Dashboard
  • Public Health England’s coronavirus advice campaign is here: bit.ly/PHECVCampaign
  • The latest help, advice and information in West Oxfordshire: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/coronavirus 
  • Volunteering - Help, Advice & Contacts: robertcourts.co.uk/coronavirusvolunteering
  • Details of AgeUK Oxfordshire's free free, telephone support service is here: https://tinyurl.com/rwjewyy 
  • Details of how to volunteer locally with Volunteer Link-Up is here: http://www.vlu.org.uk/

News

cv19

COVID-19 Survey

Monday, 22 February, 2021

Complete my short Covid-19 survey below to share your views on the roadmap out of lockdown and our road to recovery 👇

10

Prime Minister Announces Roadmap out of Lockdown

Monday, 22 February, 2021

The Government has today published a roadmap for ending lockdown and easing restrictions.

There will be four stages, beginning with schools on March 8th, and then additional changes before Easter as part of 'Stage One'.

target

Vaccine Target Met

Monday, 15 February, 2021

Robert said: "It is incredible news that we have met the target of offering the vaccine to everyone in the top four priority groups identified by the JCVI.

Robert Visits Covid-19 Vaccine Centre in Witney

Friday, 22 January, 2021

I was pleased to be invited to see the Covid-19 vaccination team at Windrush Health Centre this afternoon. Really positive atmosphere amongst everyone here and it was great to see everything operating efficiently and rapidly.

wodc

Applications Open for COVID-19 Business Grants

Wednesday, 20 January, 2021

The application process for business grants via West Oxfordshire District Council has now reopened with businesses encouraged to check their eligibility and apply through the Council website here.

Robert Visits New Covid-19 Vaccine Centre in Carterton

Friday, 15 January, 2021

I was pleased to be invited to see the vaccination team at Carterton Health Centre at the end of their first day of delivering the Covid-19 vaccination to local residents. Incredibly positive atmosphere and it was great to see everything running smoothly.

Robert Visits Covid-19 Vaccine Centre in Chipping Norton

Monday, 11 January, 2021

Over the weekend, I was pleased to be invited to see the Covid-19 vaccination operation that is well underway at Chipping Norton Health Centre.

stay home

Prime Minister Announces New National Lockdown

Monday, 4 January, 2021

The Prime Minister has announced his decision to introduce a new national lockdown effective immediately.

Christmas Message 2020

Wednesday, 23 December, 2020
vaccine

Robert Welcomes Approval of COVID-19 Vaccine

Wednesday, 2 December, 2020

Robert said: "Incredibly positive news this morning as the UK becomes the first country in the world to have a clinically approved Covid-19 vaccine for supply.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Latest NHS Advice

 

nhs

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Latest Travel Advice

 

FCO

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance for Employees, Employers and Businesses

business guidance

Robert Courts MP Member of Parliament for Witney & West Oxfordshire

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ConservativesPromoted by Ian Galletley, on behalf of Robert Courts MP, both at West Oxfordshire Conservative Association, 58-60 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HJ.
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