What can Derbyshire Residents do from 13th August 2020?
We are now in a new phase in the Coronavirus pandemic. Changes announced on 13th August show a subtle shift in what we, as Derbyshire residents can do. Importantly, there are no drastic alterations which should hopefully minimise the risk of a second wave of the virus.
The new changes allow us to exercise more and further from our homes. They underline the need to work from home where possible and the increased importance of following all hygiene advice.
We would like to thank all our patients for everything you’ve done so far; this new plan needs us all to work together to prevent a rise in cases and further deaths.
We are all in this together and we can make a difference.
1) If you develop symptoms, however mild, you and your household should self- isolate
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 however mild, you must self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. You should arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19 – go to testing to arrange. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
If you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19 you also must self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken. If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, you must restart your 10-day isolation from the day you develop symptoms.
After 10 days, if you still have a temperature you should continue to self-isolate and seek medical advice. You do not need to self-isolate after 10 days if you only have a cough or loss of sense of smell or taste, as these symptoms can last for several weeks after the infection has gone. See the ending isolation section below for more information.
If you live with others, all other household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the household became ill or if they do not have symptoms, from the day their test was taken. If anyone else in the household starts displaying symptoms, they must stay at home for at least 10 days from when their symptoms appear, regardless of what day they are on in their original 14-day isolation period. The ending isolation section below has more information.
2) You should protect yourself and your household from the virus
– Keep your hands and face as clean as possible. Wash your hands, avoid touching your face
– Keep your distance. Keep 2 meters away from other people. Avoid crowds
– Avoid being face to face with people outside your household.
– Wash your clothes regularly
– Keep indoor places well-ventilated; open the windows when you can.
3) If you are in the higher risk group e.g. > 70s or pregnant you should continue to take extra care with the above measures
4) If you have received a letter, or been informed by your doctor, that you are in the ‘SHIELDED’ group you should take additioanl precautions to stay safe.
5) Workers should continue to work from home BUT
– If you are unable to work from home, you can travel to work IF your workplace is permitted to be open
– Workplaces should be ‘COVID-19 Secure’ by ensuring appropriate protection for employees e.g. social distancing, personal protection, keep workspaces well ventilated
– You should AVOID public transport where possible aim to cycle / walk to work
6) You can now exercise as many times each day as you wish.
– You can drive to open spaces within England to exercise
7) You can now meet up with one other person from outside your household.
– Provided you maintain social distancing rules i.e. keep 2meters apart
8) People should wear a face-covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing might not be possible e.g. on public transport or in some shops. You can find out how to make one here.
The exceptions are children <2 and those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly e.g. primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.
Think HANDS Think FACE Think SPACE
STAY SAFE