Coronavirus: The importance of social distancing is stressed by local director of public health

Following yesterday’s Government announcement of a ‘lockdown’, Shropshire people are being urged to follow Government social distancing advice during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is vital to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Social distancing means reducing social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of the coronavirus.

In terms of actual distance, this means keeping 2 metres (3 steps) away from others, if and when you need to go outside.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:

“Coronavirus  is a public health emergency and a global pandemic. Many of us enjoy meeting up with friends and socialising, but we are all living in highly unusual times. Everyone must play their part in protecting their health and that of others through social distancing.

“Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. This includes people of all ages – even if they do not have any symptoms or other health conditions.

“I want to re-iterate the Government’s announcement yesterday that people can only leave their home:

• to shop for basic essentials– only when they really need to
• to do one form of exercise a day– such as a run, walk or cycle, alone, or with other people they live with
• for any medical need– for example, to visit a pharmacy, or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person
• to travel to and from work– but only where this is absolutely necessary.

The Government has issued updated guidance on staying at home and social distancing for everyone, including vulnerable people (those over 70, those who have an underlying health condition/s, those who are pregnant), and guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from the coronavirus (such as those with severe respiratory conditions and specific cancers).

Please also keep following the health advice on nhs.uk/coronavirus which contains lots of frequently asked questions people may have.

I acknowledge these are challenging times for us all, but if you are well, there are still enjoyable things we can do:

• Keep in contact with friends and family on the telephone or online
• Read advice about how to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home from https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
• Make the most of the one form of exercise a day. Enjoy the signs of spring: nature is carrying on as normal, with birds nesting, the weather warmer at present, and flowers are starting to bloom.