CORONAVIRUS: What Sidmouth needs to know

Sidmouth Nub News is sharing the Government's latest guidance on the coronavirus pandemic.

Our simple-to-understand guide includes advice on social distancing, avoiding catching coronavirus, looking after your mental wellbeing and what to do if you - or someone in your household - has coronavirus symptoms.

Social distancing will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

Everyone - including children - is strongly advised to significantly limit face-to-face interaction with friends and family.

If possible:

· Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus which include high temperature and/or a new and continuous cough

· Avoid non-essential use of public transport

· Work from home - your employer should support you to do this

· Avoid gatherings in public spaces - pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut

· Avoid gatherings with friends and family - keep in touch by phone, internet, and social media

· Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Avoiding all unnecessary social contact is particularly important if you:

· are over 70

· have an underlying health condition

· are pregnant

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

Do:

· wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

· always wash your hands when you get home or into work and before you prepare food and eat

· use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

· cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

· put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

· avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don't:

· touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Isolate the household if anyone has coronavirus symptoms:

The entire household must stay at home for 14 days if anyone has either:

· a high temperature

· a new, continuous cough

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

· you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

· your condition gets worse

· your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Advice during self-isolation at home:

If anyone has coronavirus symptoms the entire household must remain at home.

The family member with suspected coronavirus MUST:

· separate themselves from other people in the home and keep the door closed

· if they have to share a space, stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people and open a window

· sleep alone

· clean shared surfaces - such as in the bathroom and kitchen - every time they use them

· double bag personal waste - such as tissues - in disposable rubbish bags and tie securely. Wait 72 hours before putting in the household waste collection bin

The entire household MUST NOT:

· go to work, school, public areas or use public transport or taxis

· share their toothbrush, eating and drinking utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, washcloths or bed linen

· invite or allow visitors into the house - use the phone or social media

Looking after your mental wellbeing:

Social distancing can be boring or frustrating and may affect your mood, making it easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour - which can make you feel worse.

To help stay mentally and physically active:

· look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website

· spend time doing things you enjoy - reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies, listening to the radio or watching TV

· try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs

· keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight and get outside into the garden

You can go for a walk or exercise outdoors if you stay more than two metres from other people.

Treatment for coronavirus:

There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.

Drink water to keep yourself hydrated and use over-the-counter medications to help with some of your symptoms.