Archive for category: News

Sadly there are those who will attempt to take advantage of the vulnerability of some – all in the name of helping them through Coronavirus.

There is but one message: Be alert for scams.

Never respond to any organisation asking you to move funds to a ‘safe place’ – no bank or police officer will ever ask you to do that.

If offered help with the inducement of a cash payment, be very cautious. All forms of official help can be found on the government website at https://www.gov.uk. (Look for the padlock symbol and the text ‘https’ in the web address). Don’t follow a link – go to https://www.gov.uk yourself.

If you are unsure about the veracity of a website, offer of help or a request, SEEK third party advice. If you receive an email or communication out of the blue offering money, bin it. If you get a caller at the door, close it. And if you receive an unsolicited call, put the phone down.

To prove the point, look at the image below that was forwarded to ARPC from district councillor Ian White. It’s a text that leads to a lookalike fake government website.

Please stay alert.

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The government has issued an urgent call for a quarter of a million people to register as a volunteer for the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus crisis.

If you’re fit, healthy and currently have no coronavirus symptoms then you could be the perfect fit to join this “army” of volunteers. 

There are a variety of jobs you could do to play your part in dealing with the pandemic.

Community Response volunteer: Collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home.

Patient Transport volunteer: Supporting the NHS by providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge, and ensuring that they are settled safely back in to their home.

NHS Transport volunteer: Transporting equipment, supplies and/or medication between NHS services and sites, it may also involve assisting pharmacies with medication delivery.

Check-in and Chat volunteer: This role provides short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation

It’s simple and easy to apply, all you need to do is visit https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS.

The government, via Public Health England, has published guidance for those staying at home following an actual or potential case of coronavirus.

The guidance offers detail on the symptoms, the importance of staying at home, separation away from individuals, use of shared spaces and much more.

See https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection for the detail.

You will all be aware of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Neighbourhood Watch exists to look out for communities across England and Wales and at a time like this we encourage you to consider ways to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable. We are following the advice from the government and encourage you to do the same: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

10 ways you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community:
1. Meet with household members, other relatives, friends and neighbours to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.
2. If your neighbourhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbours, information, and resources. Alternatively, share phone numbers and email addresses particularly with those who are isolated or vulnerable.
3. Consider establishing a ‘buddy’ system within your community to ensure everyone stays connected to COVID-19 related news, services and can receive support safely, such as essentials deliveries.
4. Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications.
5. Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.
6. Learn how to self-isolate. Guidance can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
7. Create a list of local organisations that you and your neighbours can contact in the event that one of you need access to information, healthcare services, support, or resources. Consider including organisations that provide mental health or counselling services, food, and other supplies.
8. Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbours, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
9. Learn about the emergency operations plan at your child’s school or childcare facility, and your employer’s emergency operations plan.
10. Practice everyday preventive actions including regular hand washing.

The NHS provides guidance on how to wash hands: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
The World Health Organisation provides guidance on basic protective measures: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance on handwashing for families https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/handwashing-family.html

Some of the key points above have been sourced from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html .

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also published (14th February 2020) Interim Guidance for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Homes and Residential Communities which you may find useful: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html .