Message From Dean Wallace, Derbyshire's Director Of Public Health
Hello, I’m Dean Wallace, Director of Public Health for Derbyshire.
It’s my job to protect the health of Derbyshire people and a huge part of mine, and my team’s work, is to prevent the spread of coronavirus in our communities.
You may be aware that numbers of positive tests are rising across Derbyshire and we’re seeing a spike in cases in the Heanor area.
Despite all of our best efforts in sticking to the rules and doing the right thing, confirmed cases remain high in the town, including Aldercar, Langley Mill, Marlpool, Mapperley and Shipley.
I’m sure you’ll be aware that additional ‘lockdown’ measures or restrictions have been introduced in a number of areas in the north of England.
That’s not something we want to see happen in Derbyshire but if the number of cases per week continues to rise we’ll have no choice but to take action – so it’s really important we continue to be alert.
We know that the testing system nationally has been struggling to keep pace with demand, but we have been working with the Government to get extra testing capacity into Amber Valley.
But we can all help in the fight against this virus and here are the most important things we should all continue to do to avoid contracting the virus and passing it on:
· Wash your hands regularly
· Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
· Keep your distance from people not in your household or support bubble
· Keep social gatherings to a maximum of six people – including children – indoors and outdoors.
· Got symptoms? Act like you’ve got it – start isolating immediately and arrange a free test. To book an appointment or request a free home testing kit visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus or call NHS 119.
· Avoid taking a test away from someone who really needs one – only book a test if you have one or more of the main symptoms: a high temperature, new continuous cough or change to taste or smell.
I’d like to ask you all to keep following this guidance to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. For parents and carers it also means making sure teenagers and young people are following the rules as they can pass the virus on to elderly or vulnerable relatives.
I understand that it is frustrating but it is more important than ever that we all stick to the rules as new laws mean you could be fined if you fail to self-isolate if you test positive or are instructed to by NHS Test and Trace.
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