UPDATE RECEIVED FROM SOUTH HAMS DISTRICT COUNCIL:

The Coronavirus situation is evolving on a daily basis.

We have formed an internal incident management team and we are in regular contact with our partners in the NHS, Public Health England (PHE) and Devon County Council.

We will continue to provide you with information about our services as and when we update them. Please keep an eye on official sources of information for specific advice for your council, such as Devon County Council and the Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) website.

The Councils' approach to the emerging situation is as follows;

1. We will follow Government and PHE advice
2. We will take appropriate steps to protect our workforce and the public
3. We will try to be proactive and keep people informed

The main message at the moment is that it is business as usual but with an emphasis on ensuring sensible precautions such as good hygiene.

Click on the link below for more information on the Government's action plan.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan

What does this mean for you?

We do not know if the situation will escalate locally, but just like Central Government we are putting plans in place to minimise the impact.

As a Town or Parish Council, you too may be putting plans in place to protect your community. We have attached some posters that you can use to promote good hygiene.

We also thought that you may find this blog useful, five things you can do to protect yourself and your community. https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/03/04/coronavirus-covid-19-5-things-you-can-do-to-protect-yourself-and-your-community/.

Learn more about the virus

Watch this short video to learn more about the virus. Click on the link to be taken to YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOV1aBVYKGA&feature=youtu.be

Where can I go for more information?

We are directing concerned people to the official government blogs and web pages. We have attached the latest version of web links to this bulletin.

If the public ask you for information, please direct them to these official sources.

If you think you may have the virus, NHS 111 has an online Coronavirus Service : Use this service if…

• you think you might have Coronavirus
• in the last 14 days you've been to a high risk country or area
• you've been in close contact with someone with Coronavirus

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.