Important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NHS across Suffolk will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases, if the public follows Public Health England advice.

The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mean your patient experience is subject to change.

The Chief Medical Officer announced on Friday 13 March that the country is moving into the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus (Covid-19).

The new advice issued by the Chief Medical Officer is to stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
• a high temperature or
• a new continuous cough

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or a hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Stay At Home advice can be found here.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Information remains subject to regular change and updates. More information can be found on the NHS website here.

Here at Suffolk Family Carers our Connect for Health team are a CCG commissioned service funded by the NHS to help reduce social isolation and work with participants who have low level need, our support during this Covid-19 emergency is mainly telephoned based but could also be practical, picking up medication etc.

We are providing telephone support for those who need to talk to someone confidentially at this worrying time. We are asking anyone needing a call to contact our Suffolk Family Carers Hub team on 01473 835477. The caller can request a call back so if they ask for a Community Connector to call them I will pick up the request and call them when I can.

A new Suffolk-focused community service has been set up to support people who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic, this is called ‘Home but not alone’ emergency help scheme. Here is the link:

https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/home-but-not-alone-tribe-volunteer-app-1-6577219

The telephone number for those in genuine need of help is free phone 0800 876 6926 and will be staffed from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

There is also a link about scammer warnings from trading standards, here is the link:
https://mailchi.mp/07402fa03936/coronavirus-cons-to-be-aware-of-756593?e=312d7107f6