LOCAL NEWS: Daily recorded UK Coronavirus cases fall by over 50%

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Latest figures released by Public Health England show a dip in the number of known Coronavirus cases in the UK. 

On Sunday 15 March 2020, there were 330 new cases reported in the UK as a whole, which was following an ever upward trend, but yesterday (16 March) that figure was much reduced by more than half with just 152 new cases reported. Part of the reason that the figure has dropped is that suspected cases are not being routinely tested as they were before, unless they are in an ‘at risk’ category, but it does also suggest that people have been taking government advice more seriously and protecting themselves by washing hands more regularly and self isolating when presenting any symptoms associated with Coronavirus.

Currently in the BCP area, there are just five confirmed cases and these are all being managed adequately, but although the spread seems to be largely contained in our own area, the government are urging people to heed the Chief Medical Officer’s latest advice to ensure that the spread of the virus is limited as much as possible.

Whilst much of the media is inevitably focussed on the death toll, some positive news from the latest figures show that as of 16 March, 52 people who have been treated for Coronavirus have now made a full recovery. For the majority of people, the virus is not life threatening which is why the government are advising not to call 111 if you think you have caught the Coronavirus unless you have underlying health conditions or feel particularly unwell and instead visit nhs.uk

For normally fit and healthy people, the virus will pass, much like a common cold. If you feel you are getting progressively unwell, you should phone 111 or in an emergency dial 999.

If you have the symptoms of Coronavirus, do not visit your GP surgery. If you do need to visit the hospital, you should follow the special signs at the hospital. Do not attempt to enter the main areas of the hospital or the A&E department as this will risk infecting other people.

The best advice is to immediately self isolate yourself and your family and avoid coming into contact with anybody else. If you are asking somebody to do shopping for you, they should leave it on the doorstep for you. If you need to speak to anyone who knocks on your door, you should advise them that you cannot open the door. Any legitimate caller will understand if you tell them that you are currently self isolating. If you need to open the door, you should stay a safe distance from the person (ask the person to step away – ideally 2 metres away).

Despite some positive news,  the danger is still ever-present and the current advice from government should continue to be followed in an effort to protect the more vulnerable in our society and avoid our NHS being overwhelmed.

Current advice is for those in high risk groups, such as the over 70s, or those with heart or respiratory conditions  to stay indoors. Public Health England also advise that people should self isolate for 14 days if they or any member of their household/family show the following signs (even if only mild):

  • Higher than normal temperature or feeling feverish
  • A dry tickly cough that won’t go away
  • Difficulty breathing normally

If you are suffering from these symptoms, you should take steps to self isolate .

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak is due to announce more special measures today (17 March) to help British businesses and the UK economy weather the current economic uncertainty, with the hospitality and travel sectors being hit particularly hard.

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