Covid-19 is a new disease which attacks the lungs and airways. It is spread through coronavirus which is highly contagious and passes from person to person or contact with infected surfaces. The best way to halt the spread of the virus is to wash your hands regularly and stay at home. Do not go out unless it is absolutely essential and avoid crowded areas.
Below are useful information and links, including how to volunteer to help your community during the crisis.
Stay at home if you have either:
- 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)
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Basic hygiene precautions are the best way to disrupt the spread of viruses. Catch it, bin it, kill it: Cough and sneeze into a tissue to catch it. Throw it away to bin it. Wash your hands frequently to kill it. Don’t touch your face unless you’ve washed your hands. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and more often than usual, especially when you get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food.
When cleaning you should use your usual household products like detergents and bleach as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces.
How can I help?
As people self isolate, vulnerable members of our community may need help to get food, medicines or basic essentials. We're encouraging Conservative Party members and supporters who are healthy and able to volunteer, to call Surrey County Council's helpline on 0300 200 1008 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). You can then be directed to the best place where you can help. Note: coordinators who require volunteers should also call the helpline to register their requirements.
Support for local businesses
Following the Chancellor’s announcement, we are working together with national government and the business support organisations, including the Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to ensure our borough is kept up to date with developments and to provide as much support as possible. Read more on our business support page.
https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/news/support-for-businesses/
Council services
Day centres, halls, swimming pools, leisure centres and libraries have been closed to limit the spread of the virus. Elmbridge's Meals on Wheels, Care & Repair and handyman services will be maintained and extended if possible. Waste collection will continue as normal. Esher Civic Centre will be open as usual but the front desk will not be staffed. Casual visits from the public are discouraged, however the staff are ready to direct people who call to the organisation best placed to help.
Beware fraud
In the last few days fake coronavirus test kits have been offered for sale via the internet. Surrey Trading Standards have also received intelligence that unscrupulous individuals are door knocking selling fake coronavirus testing kits. If you have information about scams, email [email protected] or phone on 01296 388788. As soon as Trading Standards are aware of a scam operating in the area they have plans in place to raise the alarm and alert vulnerable people.
Local democracy
The elections scheduled for 7 May have been postponed until May 2021. Council meetings are either cancelled or curtailed. Members attending will be spaced apart and meetings will be webcast where possible as the public will not be allowed to attend. The council is looking into alternatives to attending such as Skype.
Useful links
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Self-isolation (Public Health Matters blog)
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/surrey-matters/wellbeing/coronavirus-5-things