Whittlesey and District Neighbourhood Watch

This is national guidance that applies to England only. If you live in an area that is experiencing a local COVID-19 outbreak and where local lockdown measures have been imposed, different guidance and legislation will apply. Please consult the local lockdown restrictions page to see if any restrictions are in place in your area.

The government has published guidance on staying alert and staying safe outside your home. The Coronavirus outbreak FAQs page sets out key questions and answers on what you should and should not do.

Hot weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Heatwave and COVID-19

Please note that additional information and tips for COVID-19 and the heatwave has been issued by the Government.

* Fans should not be used if someone in your home has been confirmed or suspected as having COVID-19, as this could increase the spread of infection

* If no-one in your home has COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19, angle fans away from you to limit the spread of germs. Remember that fans are ineffective in temperatures above 35^oC and cause increased dehydration

* Paracetamol (and aspirin) may be used to manage COVID-related symptoms but it is recommended that they are not used solely to reduce body temperature. Always consult your pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 for advice

* Keep cool and hydrated by regularly sipping cold water-based drinks and avoid alcohol

* Use sponges or cloths made damp by cold water to help control your temperature

* Close blinds and curtains to help control the temperature of your home

* Check on the wellbeing of vulnerable friends and family who may be shielding or who are isolated. Remember to observe social distancing guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing) .

The full Heatwave Plan guidance can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heatwave-plan-for-england?utm_source=1378c8e5-82f8-494b-bd04-9bda7349f31a&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate) .

In General:

If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this hot weather period please help make sure that they stay cool and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this hot spell.

Please follow this advice to keep cool and comfortable and reduce health risks:

* Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.

* Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day).

* Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).

* Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

* Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.

* Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

* Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

* Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors.

Everyone’s actions have helped to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our communities. As the UK moves to the next phase in our fight against coronavirus, the most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.

This guidance applies in England – people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK.

The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can, as quickly and fairly as possible in order to safeguard livelihoods, but in a way that is safe and continues to protect our NHS.

As part of this plan:

• People and employers should stay safe in public spaces and workplaces by following “Covid-19 secure” guidelines. This should enable more people to go back to work, where they cannot work from home, and encourage more vulnerable children and the children of critical workers to go to school or childcare as already permitted
• You should stay safe when you leave home: washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distancing, and ensuring you do not gather in groups of more than two, except with members of your household or for other specific exceptions set out in law
• You must continue to stay home except for a limited set of reasons but - in line with scientific advice - can take part in more outdoor activities from Wednesday 13 May