Covid-19: Reassurance from Wiltshire bosses during 'worrying time'

Wiltshire Council has reacted to the new lockdown which begins on Thursday (5th November) admitting it's a "worrying time."

But the local authority says its here to support residents and businesses during the next few weeks.

It's praised local residents and businesses for their committment to help spread the curb of the virus

Chief Executive Terence Herbert says "Without these efforts, we would have seen even more cases in Wiltshire."

He's also stressed the council is ready for a second lockdown.

"Whilst infection rates in Wiltshire remain lower than in many parts of the country, we have still experienced a rising number of positive cases in recent weeks. We anticipated Wiltshire would move into a higher alert level in the coming weeks and we have already put plans in place to continue protecting our residents".

Latest stats show there were 491 new cases of coronavirus in the seven days to the 27th of October.

That's 134 more than the previous week.

Wiltshire's rate of infection per 100,000 people is now 98.2 whereas England's rate is 228.2

REMINDER OF NEW RESTRICTIONS

From Thursday 5 November 2020, new restrictions for Wiltshire will mean everyone must stay at home and may leave only for a limited set of reasons, including:

• For education (schools, colleges and universities)

• For work, if you cannot work from home

• For exercise and recreation outdoors with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household

• For exercise and recreation outdoors with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household

• For all medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm

• To shop for food and essentials

• To provide care for vulnerable people

SCHOOLS

Chief Executive Terence Herbert is also reassuring parents schools are 'Covid-19 secure' and that pupils should remain in education.

"Whilst this is undoubtedly a worrying time, I want to reassure residents that Wiltshire Council is here for them. We are here to provide support to all of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable residents. We will also ensure that support is available for our businesses. We are also working closely with schools as they return from half-term break. All schools are COVID-19 secure and it is important that young people in Wiltshire remain in school at this time".

The local authority is waiting for further details from central government about support available to businesses and the full impact the restrictions will have on council services and says more information will be provided shortly.

The Council's Wellbeing Hub remains open to anyone that needs additional support and anyone that needs any help should call 0300 003 4576 , Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

Mr Herbert says it's vital we remain vigilant

"If we all continue to do the right thing and follow these measures, we can curb the spread of the virus and help protect ourselves and our loved ones too."

HOW TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

• Work from home if you can

• Limit contact with other people

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms

• Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you meet people you do not normally meeting

Anyone who has symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 14 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test

You can book a test by calling 119 or visit the government website

The council is hosting a live public COVID-19 update on Tuesday 3 November at 5pm where you can find out more

You can use this link to access the webinar on Tuesday 3 November.