Covid-19: People in Cornwall urged not to let their guard down over the Easter weekend
Health officials say we must continue to do all we can to limit the spread of the deadly virus
People across Cornwall are being urged not to drop their guard against coronavirus over the Easter break.
Officials are asking residents to help each other stay in 'eggcellent' health this Easter.
The NHS is calling on everyone’s help ahead of the long bank holiday weekend.
People who need urgent –but not emergency –medical care when their own GP surgery is not open, including during the bank holiday, and don’t think they can wait, should contact NHS 111 online or by phone, at any time day or night.
“As we arrive at the first stage of the easing of lockdown, we must not let our guard down, coronavirus is still circulating and we must continue to do all we can to limit the spread of the deadly virus.
“The best way we can continue to protect ourselves, each other and the NHS is to know the right place to go if you need medical treatment.
“If people have a non-life-threatening illness, which they can’t manage themselves with over the counter medicines or a visit to the pharmacy, they should contact their own GP surgery as the first point of call.
“When your GP surgery is not open you should contact NHS 111 online or by phone.”
John Garman, GP and a member of NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group Governing Body
There are other simple steps that you can take to help you avoid needing to seek medical advice later such as making sure you have a supply of antihistamines and paracetamol in your medicine cabinet.
Anyone who requires a repeat prescription is asked to make sure their request is with their GP surgery or designated pharmacy in advance.
By doing so you will provide GPs the time to generate and authorise your prescription in the busy run up to Easter at the same time as many GP-led primary care networks continue with the COVID vaccination roll-out. Pharmacies may also need more time to prepare your medication
Pharmacists across the county will be available during the bank holiday weekend and will be able to provide expert, confidential advice and over the counter remedies for minor injuries as well as coughs and colds.
"The bank holiday is traditionally a time to relax and have fun but if you or a member of your family falls ill or has an accident, please use the right health service.
“When you need urgent –but not emergency care – and your own GP surgery is not open, please contact 111 who can direct you to the best service. We ask that you do not turn up at the minor injuries units or our urgent treatment centres without contacting 111 first.
“We must all continue to follow the government guidance, maintain distance and make sure we can keep people safe while COVID continues to circulate.”
Julia Sharland, from the minor injuries unit at Newquay Hospital
Anyone with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries should dial 999.