COVID-19 is an illness which can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a coronavirus. There are confirmed cases across the UK and it has been confirmed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation – that means it’s spreading in multiple countries at the same time.

The situation in the UK

The gov.uk website is being updated daily with the number of confirmed cases in the UK, including a breakdown of the number of cases in each NHS region: gov.uk website – number of cases in the UK

There is also a dashboard showing cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at local authority level in England: gov.uk website – track coronavirus cases dashboard

Public Health England has a blog which is being updated regularly, including common and frequently asked questions: Public Health England website: novel coronavirus – what you need to know

The government has published an action plan which explains what has happened so far to limit the spread of coronavirus in the UK and what might happen next: gov.uk – coronavirus action plan

The situation in North Somerset

There are a number of confirmed and suspected cases of coronavirus in North Somerset and our district is directly affected.

Plans are in place to make sure local essential services can continue during this time for the benefit of our residents. North Somerset Council are taking all possible steps in our services to minimise the risk of the virus spreading, but you will appreciate that this is fast-moving situation with government advice developing daily.

North Somerset Council is working with local partners to prepare for any changes in the situation and to minimise any disruption. For the latest updates on Council services, please visit www.n-Somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus 

Travel advice

The government are updating travel advice on their website: gov.uk website – travel advice

Advice for businesses and employers

The government has advised businesses to improve their own resilience by reviewing their business continuity plans. There is advice for employers available on the gov.uk website: gov.uk – COVID-19 guidance for employers and businesses

Protecting yourself and others

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. This is particularly important  for people who:

• are 70 or over
• have a long-term condition
• are pregnant
• have a weakened immune system

You can help protect yourself and others against coronavirus by keeping good hygiene:

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water more often, for 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
• only travel on public transport if you need to
• work from home, if you can
• avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
• avoid events with large groups of people
• use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services

Don’t

• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
• do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

The NHS website has lots of health information and advice, including symptoms and tips on how to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus: NHS website – coronavirus

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