Coronavirus (Covid 19)

You will have heard lots in the media about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and might be feeling concerned. At the moment, the risk of catching the virus remains low but it is clear the virus is moving fast.

As a charity which supports older people, our main focus of support is for older and frailer people, especially those considered to be at higher risk who have conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases and high blood pressure.

We are taking every precaution to protect our older residents from the virus and of course we also have a duty of care to all our staff and volunteers. We are currently following and monitoring government guidelines regarding how we can reduce the risk of further spread of the coronavirus (see the Department of Health website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public.)

Individual service users and/or volunteers may have concerns about their own health and may choose to temporarily stop attending a service or having a volunteer visitor. We will of course respect these wishes but all of our Age UK CAP services will continue to run as normal unless or until the government guidelines advise otherwise.

We have created a Business Continuity Plan which will enable us to act accordingly should the outbreak worsen. Unfortunately there may be, at some point, cause to close Day Services on a temporary basis but it is our intention to be fully aware of individual needs, particularly for those who live alone and rarely see visitors.  In terms of staffing we will be taking a flexible approach to our roles in order that provisions can be delivered.  We will also keep in touch, where possible via telephone so that regular contact continues with our service users.

• If you are unwell with the symptoms, please stay at home and DO NOT come to any of our clubs or services.
• Phone NHS 111.
• If you need support from Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough please call us on 0300 6669860, please inform staff you believe you are at risk of Coronavirus.
• Do not come to our offices.

Please find below information and advice about the virus, with useful links to government and health websites which are regularly being updated.

The symptoms of Coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and a shortness of breath. But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

If you do show symptoms, stay indoors and please phone NHS 111 rather than going to your GP or to a hospital.

There are some simple steps you can take to minimise the risk and prevent it spreading even further.

Good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of viruses, including Coronavirus.

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze;
• put used tissues in the bin immediately;
• wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds  - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available;
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council are updating their local information on the Coronavirus regularly and can be found at:

https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/coronavirus-five-things-you-can-do-to-protect-yourself-and-your-community

https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/public-health/coronavirus

The best thing to do if you have questions or concerns is to phone 111 to get information from the NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you want the latest advice from the government please visit their webpage

and also visit Public Health 

To help you wash your hands for 20 seconds, it is recommended you sing a song. Often “Happy Birthday” is sung twice. Below is a suggested handwashing technique, with soap and water, to the tune of Bring Me Sunshine (from “Morcambe and Wise”)

Remember if you think you may have the virus
Please DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE
Use the 111 online coronavirus service or phone 111 to find out what to do next.
DO NOT go to our Age UK CAP offices, your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.