Coronavirus precautions taken at River Nene

Fenland District Council is undertaking a number of precautionary measures in response to guidance from Public Health England and the Government to ensure the authority is well prepared to respond to the outbreak and help prevent the spread of infection.

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Currently, there is one case at an undisclosed location in Cambridgeshire, while nationally six people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.

The council is working in close partnership with the health authorities, who are leading on the response to coronavirus at national level, and working with partners in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Resilience Forum which is meeting regularly to discuss potential risks and impacts for Cambridgeshire.

Health advice posters have been put on display in the council’s customer service centres, community hubs and staff offices, and additional hand sanitisers have been installed.

The latest advice and links for further information and updates are also available through the council’s website at www.fenland.gov.uk/coronavirus and are being shared through the council’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

As the statutory harbour authority for the River Nene in Cambridgeshire, the council has also introduced precautionary measures at Wisbech Port and Port Sutton Bridge. Port health measures have been implemented by Public Health England in line with current coronavirus arrangements at UK airports to ensure authorities are fully prepared to manage the virus.

The latest health information is on display at both ports and rest areas are being risk assessed to ensure anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness are provided with the correct information and access to services.

Shipping agents are also being requested to obtain a medical declaration (Maritime Health Declaration Form) from any vessels arriving into either of the ports from any foreign port, in a similar measure to those affecting flights into the UK.

Cllr Steve Tierney, Fenland District Council’s cabinet member responsible for emergency planning, said: “At present, all of our services remain open and the community is encouraged to continue their day-to-day activities as normal, whilst being mindful of updates from Public Health England and the Government.

“Actions are being undertaken in line with guidance to help safeguard the health of local residents, protect our staff and to ensure our statutory functions are carried out. We are making sure we are prepared for any eventuality.

“In the meantime, there are some really simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others to stop the spread of viruses and germs, including coronavirus. These include covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and following good hygiene practices. For the latest updates, you can see the dedicated NHS Coronavirus webpage at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.”