16 March
16 March
A first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Sandwell.
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Sandwell, said: “I’d like to reassure people that we are working with health partners at a regional and national level to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Sandwell are protected.
“It’s really important that everyone follows the latest guidance announced on Thursday about staying at home if you show even the slightest symptoms of coronavirus. For most people who get coronavirus, it will be a mild infection, but we all have a role to play in protecting the most vulnerable people in society.
“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly using soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time and, if you cough, to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and dispose of it immediately.”
There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
New guidance announced by the Government on Thursday requires anyone who has symptoms of a coronavirus infection – a new continuous cough and/or a high temperature (37.8 degrees centigrade or higher) – to stay at home for 7 days from the point that their symptoms first started.
This will help protect others in the community whilst the individual is infectious. You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days, contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk/covid-19. If you have no internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency, dial 999.
