Coronavirus: Peterborough and Cambs health chief gives top tips to stay safe during pandemic

First of all, I want to reassure you that all of us within the NHS, and across the Government, are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. Across our area, the NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of both patients and NHS staff, whilst also ensuring that vital healthcare services are still available to people who urgently need them.

The most important thing that our community can do to keep themselves, their families and those most at risk of COVID-19, is to follow this advice:

. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

. Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands or use sanitiser gel.

. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

. Avoid close contact with people who are unwell, and self-isolate if you or a member of your family show symptoms of COVID-19.

. Follow the self-isolation and social distancing advice that has issued by the Government.

If you concerned that you or a family member may have COVID-19 (Coronavirus) then NHS 111 has set up a new online service to help. NHS 111 online can quickly tell you what to do if you think you have symptoms, or you think you may have been exposed to the virus when travelling.

You can access this service, and more information about COVID-19, by visiting http://nhs.uk/coronavirus.

I would urge you to use this online service as your first port of call to all of the advice and information you need relating to COVID-19.

Remember, if you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, including a new continuous cough or a high temperature, you are advised to stay at home for seven days. Members of your family that you live with should also self-isolate for 14 days. Do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice. Please visit http://nhs.uk/coronavirus instead.

As we move into the next phase of the Delay plan, it will mean more people self-isolating or social distancing. Whilst this may feel like a daunting ask, it is a vital part of the nation’s plan to tackle COVID-19.

If we can delay the peak even by a few weeks then our NHS will be in a stronger state and we will have had more time for medical research to be undertaken. We can also act to stretch the peak of the disease over a longer period, so that our society is better able to cope.

So, I would ask you all to take heed of the advice issued by the Government and Public Health England and do what you can to help reduce and delay the spread of COVID-19.