Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called Coronavirus.
The Government is updating official advice many times each day. I am in regular contact with Ministers over this crucial matter.
You will be aware of the advice with regard to washing your hands, when to self-isolate and how to minimise the spread of the virus. I thought it would be useful to provide some links to some local and national resources to help readers find more specific help.
The latest Government advice and information for residents, employees and employers can be found here.
For older people in need of assistance locally please visit Age UK’s South Gloucestershire site on: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/southgloucestershire/ or call 01454411707. For coronavirus general advice please visit: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/
Citizens Advice have a dedicated page on their website offering advice related to coronavirus at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/ and you can call Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire on 03444 111 444.
For local NHS advice, North Bristol NHS Trust can be viewed here: https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/ or call 111.
If you are asthmatic and concerned about your particular risks during this outbreak please visit: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
For students at the University of the West of England (UWE) please see their website for advice: https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/healthandwellbeing/universityhealthcentre/coronavirusguidance.aspx
First Bus is offering advice for those travelling using their services here: https://www.firstgroup.com/help-and-support/coronavirus-information
For local advice from South Gloucestershire Council, visit: https://www.southglos.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/staying-healthy/health-protection/health-issues/infectious-disease/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/ or https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/service-disruption/
If you are interested in assisting your neighbours in this time of difficulty, please consider registering to become a Red Cross Community Reserve Volunteer. This involves simply visiting https://reserves.redcross.org.uk/ to register your details and you will receive a text when the Red Cross needs help in your area. There is no obligation, but if you are available to help, simply reply by texting YES and you will receive further information, including any necessary training. I have registered to volunteer and would encourage you to do so if you are able to help. Equally if you need to get help you can call the national Red Cross
I implore all readers to please listen to Government advice. The Government’s response is evolving as the situation develops and it is important we all follow this advice to maximise the impact our strategy for fighting COVID-19 will have.
The Coronavirus represents a challenge for us all at the moment, but rest assured that all of our government departments are communicating and liaising with the appropriate bodies to ensure the very best outcome for our country.
