CORONAVIRUS GUIDANCE

Agencies across Bedfordshire are working closely together during the Covid 19 outbreak to keep our services running and keep people safe – particularly the most vulnerable.

There is a huge amount going on, so it is difficult to keep these pages updated – so please click on the individual websites listed at the bottom of this page to find out the latest information.

We are also running a Keeping Beds Safe campaign to provide updates on the situation in the county and what is being done to help and support you. Use the hashtag #KeepingBedsSafe to find out more.

We have listed out the key advice and guidance below, please follow these steps and help us Keep Beds Safe.

During the current national emergency everyone is being asked to follow the government’s advice to stop the spread of coronavirus. By following the advice you will be helping to protect the NHS and its staff which will save lives.

The latest advice is:

• Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus
• This includes people of all ages – even if you do not have any symptoms or other health conditions

You can only leave your home:

• To shop for basic essentials – only when you really need to
• To do one form of exercise a day – such as a run, walk or cycle, alone or with other people you live with
• For any medical need – for example, to visit a pharmacy or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person
• To travel to and from work – but only where this is absolutely necessary

Guidance on social distancing and protecting the vulnerable is available here

Full guidance on staying at home and away from others is available here

Coronavirus symptoms

A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature).

A new continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual).

If you or a member of your family has symptoms – do not go to a GP surgery, walk-in centre, pharmacy or hospital.

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

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.

Everyone should be following Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

More information can be found on the NHS website here.

You can also find out the latest information about what agencies are doing in Bedfordshire by visiting the following websites:

• Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group
• Luton and Dunstable Hospital
• Bedford Hospital
• Bedfordshire Police
• Luton Council
• Central Bedfordshire Council
• Bedford Borough Council
• East of England Ambulance Service