I’m really struggling to write down the thoughts in my head at the moment. So many thoughts but afraid to say them out loud. We very much are living through a time which history will remember for good or ill. The story that is unfolding for the planet, humanity our economy and our present, past and future has so many sides to be viewed from its octagonal!
Capitalist economic way of life on hold, stock markets smashed and crashed, local small businesses could be about to shut up shop and make their staff unemployed for months. People becoming afraid for themselves their families, the streets are quieter with less people on them and talking and walking, people are afraid to embrace each other.
The necessity of a resilient and well funded social structure and health service is becoming clear for all to see. Social investments are being made and social policies are being adopted across the world to help turn the tide against Coronavirus, no one’s calling these measures socialism but that’s exactly what it looks like to me. Lives are being lost, slowly so far but not clear yet as to the long term outlook. I kind of wonder who do I know who I might lose?
I got offered a new job this week so going through the process of getting references and stuff sorted for that. A little concerned about if I hand in my notice at my old job and then can’t start the new job due to lock down and being at home where do I stand with being able to pay my rent and affording to eat. The job will still be there it’s not going anywhere it’s just a question of whether I am aloud to start to work in it, due to work restrictions.
I believe that this outbreak is a natural phenomenon and is a delicately dark and yet simple and effective way for mother nature to flex her muscle to show us all in a very short space of time just how fragile our way of life is and how easy the rug can be pulled from under our feet and is forcing everybody to stop and reflect.
This article contains information on general guidance, stay at home guidance, advice for commmunity buildings, advice for community groups, protecting the isolated & vulnerable and advice for community transport.
Catch it Bin it Kill it
A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.
The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has COVID-19 infection:
Cough
Difficulty in breathing
Fever
GENERAL GUIDANCE
As the information about Coronavirus is ever-changing, everyone should follow all advice from Public Health England and the NHS and keep up to date with any new developments.
Common sense is key in a situation like this and are things you can do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading:
Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel
Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds each time with soap and water or hand sanitiser, especially when you; Get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, or eat or handle food.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Please find further information, from the following sites:
This advice is intended for people with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), including those with a diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, who must remain at home until they are well.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started
This action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious
Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home
Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home
Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible
Sleep alone, if that is possible
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water
Stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible
You do not need to call NHS111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contactNHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
ADVICE FOR VILLAGE HALLS & COMMUNITY BUILDINGS
As it stands at the moment, halls can remain open, however Village Hall Management Committees running charitable halls have a duty of care in providing a safe facility for the community to use.
Your committee must bear in mind that extra precautions need to be made as your hall provides a activities for those groups who are most at risk from the virus.
PRECAUTIONS INCLUDE:
Take notice of the Government and Public Health England websites and keep up to date with the ongoing situation
Keep the Hall very clean and ensure that soap and/or hand sanitiser is available, paper towels are available and hand driers are working efficiently
Avoid the use of hand towels for the time being
Put up a notice about hand washing, particularly in toilets and kitchen areas. Poster available here: Catch it bin it kill it
Advise hirers that they are expected to act responsibly and take notice of Government and Public Health England advice which includes who is and isn’t allowed to be in public spaces
Regarding cancellation of any bookings follow the steps in their hiring agreement and activities in the event of the hall having to close, we suggest that you contact your insurance company to discuss what may be covered under your insurance policy regarding cancellation of events
USEFUL RESOURCES
Public Health England have produced a range of sample posters and it would be wise to use one of these as the basis for putting on the front door a poster asking people who have possible Coronavirus symptoms not to come into the hall.
Group members must advise the rest of the group if they are self-isolating
The importance of hand hygiene – See general guidance above
Cancellation of events:
If your group is an planning event which will bring together large numbers of people, keep your plans under review. If your events depend on volunteers, be aware that some may prefer to stay home.
If you are hosting a formal meeting, such as an AGM, plan for reduced attendance or the need to move locations and times meetings and refer to your organisation’s governing document to see what it says about remote participation and quorum
Check cancellation policies for venue bookings you’ve made or are about to make
Hosting a group meeting: Some members may prefer not to attend a group meeting, therefore consider:
Is the meeting is really essential or can it be cancelled or postponed?
Consider electronic alternatives such as Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime. No one should be made to feel that they must attend
PROTECTING THE ISOLATED AND VULNERABLE
Neighbourhood Watch has produced comprehensive guidance on protecting the isolated and vulnerable. Please click here
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