In the light of the UK government advice on social distancing during the current phase of the Coronavirus crisis, we have regrettably taken the decision to close the Veranda with immediate effect. We have prepared for this eventuality and will be ensuring that as many of the people who use the Veranda are aware as soon as possible. Please check our website and social media for more information, but we will not be reopening the service until government advice suggests that it is safe to do so.
During this time Age Concern Colchester continues to support people in the local community by keeping people connected through regular phone calls and its advice service.
Much like everyone else the team have pulled together to stay in touch as many people as possible that use the befriending services or the Colchester activity centre – known as the Veranda.
We are also doing our bit to keep you all occupied thorough our published activities and keep following us on social media and website for new things that are being added all the time.
Our advice team are on hand to help people with advice, and whilst we can’t come out to visit you, we are available on the phone and by email. If you know someone who might need support at this time, they can still call 01206 368420 leave a message which we can pick up remotely and then we can call you back.
One of the most important things at this time is keeping people connected, so keep following us and pass on our telepone number to anyone you might need it.
We have gathered information from various trusted sources that reflects the current situation in regards to Corona Virus and the advice given.
Stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading
Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
This includes people of all ages – even if you do not have any symptoms or other health conditions.
You can only leave your home:
- to shop for basic essentials – only when you really need to
- to do one form of exercise a day – such as a run, walk or cycle, alone or with other people you 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
What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms
Continue to stay at home if you have either:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.Use the 111 coronavirus serviceInformation:
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
What to do if you need medical help for another reason
If you need medical help not related to coronavirus, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
- For health information and advice, use the NHS website or check your GP surgery website.
- For urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service. Only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
- For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.
Read more advice about getting medical help at home.
Advice for people at high risk
If you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus, there are extra things you should do to avoid catching it.
These include:
- not leaving your home – you should not go out to do shopping, visit friends or family, or attend any gatherings
- avoiding close contact with other people in your home as much as possible
Read the full advice on protecting yourself if you’re at high risk from coronavirus on GOV.UK.
Who is at high risk?
You may be at high risk from coronavirus if you:
- have had an organ transplant
- are having certain types of cancer treatment
- have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
- have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
- have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections
- are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
- are pregnant and have a serious heart condition
Information:
If you’re at high risk, you will be contacted by the NHS by Sunday 29 March 2020. Do not contact your GP or healthcare team at this stage – wait to be contacted.
Other things you can do to stop the infection spreading
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people, if you need to go outside
Don’t
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
How coronavirus is spread
Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
Useful Websites with up to date Information
World Health Organisation
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
NHS UK Questions Answered
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/
NHS Corona Virus Overview
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
BBC UK News Advice for Elderly
