Peterborough - ‘we want you to stay at home and save lives’ this Easter

Dr Gary Howsam, chairman of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group said staying at home was ‘far more important than going out and catching up with family and friends.

In his latest column, Dr Howsam said: “This Easter we are asking everyone to do something very different and far more important than the traditional activities of going out and catching up with family and friends.

“We want you to stay at home and save lives.

“Much praise is deservedly being showered on our wonderful staff and the difference they are making, but the truth is, we require every one of you reading this to do your bit too to help us collectively beat coronavirus.

“In reality you are the frontline heroes. NHS and community care staff are the crucial last line of defence. And no one wants to be solely reliant on their last line of defence in any situation, let alone a potential life and death one.

“You may be wondering what to do if you are unwell this weekend – either with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) symptoms or other health concerns.

“The good news is that there are still a wide range of NHS services available across the four-day Easter weekend.

“Most importantly - if you think you have symptoms of Coronavirus please visit www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 in the first instance. Do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital. This online symptom checker will provide you with useful help and advice and can also be used to generate a self-isolation note for your employers.

“If you have other health related concerns, then you will find that your local GP practice is open on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Opening hours may vary so please head to your practice website for specific opening hours and contact details.

“It’s really important to remember that you shouldn’t just turn up at your GP practice. You must call first for advice and then they will provide the right support from there.

“As a local GP, I know that all local GP practices are working incredibly hard to provide healthcare advice and support to our local patients. We are working mainly over the telephone or via video consultations instead of face-to-face at the moment, to help patients and staff stay safe, but we can still see patients face-to-face if there is a pressing medical reason to do so. 

“Some local pharmacies will be open across the four-day Easter weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. Pharmacies will open as normal on Saturday 11 April and a number will be open on Easter Sunday. Please check their websites for further details on individual opening hours.

“Remember, if you have COVID-19 (Coronavirus) symptoms you should not go to your pharmacy, you should visit www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 instead.

“Wishing you all a happy and healthy Easter – please stay home and help us to save lives.