Whittlesey family diagnosed with coronavirus; grants for local charities; PT urges people to social distance

A member of the family posted on a Facebook page to alert residents in the town to the situation, an act which was warmly received.

The family are now all in self-isolation.

The latest information from Public Health England shows there are 17 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Cambridgeshire, as well as two in Peterborough, 20 in Northamptonshire and nine in Lincolnshire, although many people who have shown symptoms will not have been tested.

Meanwhile, the Government last night (Saturday) urged up to 1.5 million people in England who face the highest risk of being hospitalised by the virus to shield themselves and stay at home.

People with specific underlying health conditions, including some being treated for cancer, will be contacted by the NHS this week.

Plans were also unveiled to deliver groceries and medicines for those most at risk from the virus where needed.

* The Cambridgeshire Coronavirus Community Fund is now open to community organisations throughout Cambridgeshire which are supporting isolated older and vulnerable people at this time.

Grants between £1,000 and £5,000 will be considered (larger grants may be available for groups working in partnership). The aim is for the process to take between five and 10 days.

For more information, and to apply for a grant, visit: http://www.cambscf.org.uk/cambridgeshire-coronavirus-community-fund.html.

* Sense charity shop in Lincoln Road is giving away free books, DVDs, puzzles and kids’ toys to the elderly and people in need.

The PT has asked the charity how it is distributing the items and will update this article with more information when we have it.

* Sainsbury’s has announced new opening hours of 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am will be dedicated to serving the elderly, disabled and carers.

* On a separate note, the Peterborough Telegraph has been contacted by readers frustrated by many people who are congregating in groups and ignoring social distancing.

As a newspaper we would echo calls from the authorities to our residents and urge them to follow the Government’s guidelines as otherwise you are putting people at risk.

For more information on social distancing, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults.

* And to end on a positive note, we fully echo the words of Global Digital Design Ltd which has put up a poster stating: “Thank you to our amazing NHS staff.”

The company in Phorpres Close, Hampton, posted on social media: “Our appreciation for all NHS staff during these unpredictable times. Thank you for working tirelessly.

“We are grateful for all your hard work and fight against this virus.”

For all the latest information on the coronavirus, as well as what is happening in your community, visit the PT’s new Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/818526555281397/?source_id=191303029968.

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