Rotherham’s Director of Public Health has issued a statement to local
people and businesses about the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our priority it to keep the people of Rotherham as safe as possible. We
cannot overstate the importance of following the Government guidelines
if we are to protect ourselves and each other.
“Rotherham Council is working closely with Public Health England, which
is the lead organisation for coronavirus COVID-19, the NHS and our
health and care partners to try to prevent further spread of the virus.
“We urge the people of Rotherham to continue to wash their hands, for
twenty seconds, and to follow good hygiene practices. Social distancing,
in accordance with the guidance from Public Health England, is also
essential to prevent the further spread of the virus.
“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).
“These measure 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
“Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is
pragmatic.
“PHE strongly advises you to follow the above measures as much as you
can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with
friends and family if possible, particularly if you:
are over 70
have an underlying health condition
are pregnant.
“This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.
“In addition to these essential steps, with our health partners in
Rotherham, we are asking residents to take care of their mental health
and to support one another through what is a stressful time. We are
encouraging people who are able to exercise, to do so safely while
self-isolating and maintaining the required social distancing.
“We are in touch with Public health England daily, assisting them to
share relevant and timely information with the public and our partners.”