Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency

Coronavirus: Protect yourself and others

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

The first case of COVID-19 in South Gloucestershire was reported by Public Health England (PHE) on 11th March 2020.

South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) says it is working closely with Public Health England to respond to the national situation, adding that its public health team is co-ordinating the response, information and advice locally.

This page last updated: Monday 114th June 2020

Main government advice portal

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do (GOV.UK)

Latest government guidance

Information from South Gloucestershire

Latest information from South Gloucestershire Council on its response to the coronavirus emergency

Latest news

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

Do

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • 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 straight away and wash your hands afterwards
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don’t

  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

What to do if you have symptoms

Image : New advice from NHS issued on 12th March 2020.

Updated 16th March 2020

Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms

Stay at home if you have either:

  • A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back; or
  • A new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly

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

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

How long to stay at home

  • If you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days
  • If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

More information:

NHS 111 online coronavirus service

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

  • You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
  • Your condition gets worse
  • Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

For a medical emergency dial 999.

Social distancing

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What is social distancing?

Updated 16th March 2020

What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are:

  • Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
  • Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible;
  • Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information;
  • Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
  • Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
  • Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

More information: Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK and protecting older people and vulnerable adults (GOV.UK)

Summary of advice

Coronavirus social distancing: Summary of advice (issued 16th March 2020).

* If one member of your family or household has a new continuous cough or high temperature
** If you live alone and you have a new continuous cough or high temperature
*** for example via telephone or internet
1 Such as anyone instructed to get a flu jab each year

How to report suspected violations

Report a suspected breach of COVID-19 restrictions (Avon and Somerset Police)

Coronavirus statistics

Number of cases (cumulative) in South Gloucestershire and nationally.

This table shows data for the last few days only. View the full set of historical data.

More information and related links

Advice from trusted sources

Public health statistics

News from broadcasters

News from businesses and service providers

Information and guidance for businesses

Information and guidance for employees

Information for parents

Other useful links

COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom (Wikipedia)

Community support groups & volunteering opportunities

COVID-19 Help, Support And Volunteering South Glos and Bristol.

Support groups in South Gloucestershire:

National resources:

Volunteering opportunities

N.B. Informal support groups are not endorsed by the South Glos Post.

Advice from South Gloucestershire Council: Wherever possible, you should turn to your family, friends, neighbours and others who are known to you first for assistance. Please think carefully before responding to unsolicited offers of help – unfortunately the council is not able to regulate individual volunteers.

Covid-19 Community Aid information pack (South Gloucestershire Council)

Get help in your area: Community Aid South Glos Directory (South Gloucestershire Council)

Working from home

Useful links:

Advice for parents of schoolchildren

Useful links:

Communications from South Gloucestershire Council

Videos

24th April 2020 | South Gloucestershire Council on YouTube
How we have been responding to Covid-19

3rd April 2020 | South Gloucestershire Council on YouTube
COVID-19 update from the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage

20th March 2020 | South Gloucestershire Council on YouTube
An update on what we are doing to help support residents during the outbreak of coronavirus

Email bulletins

Coronavirus stories in the South Glos Post

Coronavirus in the wider media

Coronavirus on social media

Share this page: