All our help and information for 09/10/2020 is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/
This page is refreshed through the day so please check in regularly to keep across developments and news.
Top stories today:
Hands, Face, Space when using health services
Doctors are reminding people to follow social distancing measures when they are using healthcare services in Somerset.
As more people begin to visit healthcare settings for appointments such as their flu jab, local GPs, emergency department staff and healthcare teams are reminding visitors that it’s important to follow the three simple steps of ‘Hands Face Space’: wash hands regularly, wear a face covering when visiting a health setting and maintain your distance from those not in your household.
Dr Emma Keane, local GP and Associate Clinical Director of Primary Care, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We understand that people may feel anxious about visiting healthcare settings again, particularly our most vulnerable patients. But across the NHS we have put in measures in place to keep you safe from infection during your visit to the surgery.
“Our healthcare services are open and caring for people, appointments are being delivered face-to-face, online and over the telephone. If you are asked to come into the surgery for a face-to-face appointment, please remember to wear a face covering.”
Face-to-face appointments are available for patients where clinically appropriate, but all patients will be triaged first so you may be asked to discuss your conditions over the phone or online initially to assess what would be most appropriate for you.
Stoptober – time to quit
This month marks ‘Stoptober’ and Somerset County Council is encouraging smokers to quit to benefit their health – and help reduce the risk of catching serious respiratory infections this winter.
Smokers have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infections and are more likely to have more severe symptoms once infected. Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and flu symptoms may therefore be more severe for someone who smokes.
Stoptober provides the information and support people need to quit smoking for 28 days, based on research that if a smoker can make it to 28 days smoke free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
Reduce the risks and follow advice
It’s vital everyone acts to reduce their own risk, and the risk to others, from getting ill with coronavirus.
There’s really important information available to help Somerset residents, businesses and visitors take all-important precautions: https://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/covid-19/info/ipc/
There are quick guides to coronavirus testing and a useful guide for parents and carers on what to do, action needed and back to school, and symptom checker for colds and flu.
NHS Test and Trace: how it works
The Government has updated the guidance on NHS Test and Trace, to reflect that the requirement to self-isolate if you test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace has changed from guidance to law.
Public Health dashboard
Detailed Public Health information dashboards are available on our website www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus just scroll down to ‘Covid-19 dashboard’. These are updated every Wednesday.