“Information on COVID-19 is changing fast, and so I wanted to take this opportunity to offer further advice on what we should be doing as individuals and as a community in Sheffield.

“Sheffield City Council continues to work closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all health and care partners to do everything we can in terms of preventing further spread of the virus and caring for those who have it.

“We now have many confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city, and unfortunately we have confirmed deaths. This is the most testing time we have experienced nationally and that is why it’s important to highlight the things we should all be doing in order to combat this virus.

“The latest advice is:

  • if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you’ll need to stay at home for 7 days
  • if you live with someone who has symptoms, you’ll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms
  • wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and more often
  • avoid social activities such as going to pubs, restaurants and theatres
  • avoid mass gatherings such as events and religious gatherings
  • work from home, if you can
  • avoid all unnecessary travel

“I urge everyone in the city to follow this advice.

“It is especially important that those who are most vulnerable are protected, as we know that some groups are particularly susceptible to more severe illness and risk of death. This includes all those over 70, those adults who are normally recommended a flu vaccination by their GP, pregnant women and a small group of people with weakened immunity as a result of an illness or treatment.

“We encourage those who are vulnerable to stay at home. This is likely to be for at least twelve weeks.

“We recognise this is a big ask and it will be disruptive but the intention is to minimise the risk of serious illness.

“There is no doubt that we are dealing with a fast-moving situation, with developments happening all the time. There will continue to be more cases confirmed over the next weeks and months, but I want to reassure people that we have robust arrangements in Sheffield with excellent infection control facilities.

“The national response is now in the ‘delay’ phase, the number of tests that are carried out each day are expected to increase, but will be prioritised for those who require hospital care.

“There is a wealth of information online, including wellbeing, what to do, what not to do, and what you should do if you start to develop symptoms. I ask that you please rely on trusted sources such as www.gov.uk and www.nhs.uk for the latest guidance.”

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