Peterborough ‘can beat coronavius if we stick to the battle plan’

The Director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, Dr Liz Robin, has insisted “we can beat coronavirus if we stick to the battle plan”.
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Two weeks since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the UK would go on lockdown to protect people from coronavirus, Dr Robin has said following the government advice is as important as ever.

With Easter just round the corner and summer on its way, many people may want to start seeing family and friends again.

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But to successfully tackle the virus, Dr Robin says we must continue following advice by staying at home and practicing social distancing.

Dr Liz RobinDr Liz Robin
Dr Liz Robin

This means only going outside to buy food, for health reasons or for work (but only if you can’t work from home). If you go out, stay two metres (6ft) away from other people at all times and wash your hands as soon as you get home.

Dr. Kanchan Rege, Medical Director at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust said: “I understand that following the government’s Stay at Home rules is difficult and has a huge impact on people’s lives, but we cannot get complacent. We must stick to the battle plan.

“This is a very infectious virus and it is vital we continue following the social distancing advice if we are to contain and suppress COVID-19 to a level our NHS can cope with.

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“For many, Easter might be a time to meet up with loved ones, but I would urge you to stay at home and keep in contact with people from other households in different ways like phone or video calls.

“This is about saving lives and protecting our frontline staff and we all have the power and responsibility to do that. I’d like to thank you all of you who are following the advice”.

As many people are experiencing huge changes to their everyday lives, local GP Dr Emma Tiffin says maintaining both positive physical and mental health is vital.

Dr Emma Tiffin, GP. added: “We have all heard it said many times but this really is a marathon not a sprint and we must all look after both our physical and mental health during this new way of living.

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“Many of us have made huge changes to our routines and may be experiencing stress and anxiety, but there are things we can do to help.

“It’s important to stay in contact with friends and family online or on the phone to get the benefits of social connectedness without leaving your home. We need to get talking, get sharing, so pick up the phone and make that call.

“Staying active doesn’t just improve our physical fitness, but can help us manage anxiety and stress. I’d encourage you to think of ways to stay active inside your home. You can also do a hobby at home, or learn a new skill.

“Finally, give to others if you can. Checking up on a neighbour or offering time to volunteer will bring positive benefits to everyone”.

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Peterborough City Councillor Wayne Fitzgerald, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Public Health: “It’s important that we follow the stay at home advice. We recognise though that this is a challenging time for many people where they may feel lonely and anxious. It really is good to talk in these situations and everyone should pick up the phone and call their friends every day, even just for five minutes.”

“This is about friends, neighbours and loved ones looking after each other and and it’s important we stay in touch.”

For tips and advice on how to maintain good mental health while staying at home, read the Every Mind Matters information on the NHS website.