News
23.10.20 Update on Coronavirus cases in Portsmouth and what we are being asked to do
Portsmouth City Council has issued today the following information and request for action.
In the last seven days, there were 306 new cases of coronavirus in Portsmouth.
This includes cases in hospitals and the community, as well as routine testing of both staff and students at the university, and service personnel at the naval base.
We’re testing more people than ever before, but this does not take away from the seriousness of more cases in the city.
You can spread the virus even if you have no symptoms. The more cases are confirmed, the higher the risk of the virus spreading. In turn this means more people could become seriously ill and, in some cases, lose their lives. That’s the harsh reality.
The council is doing all we can to tackle outbreaks, taking enforcement action where needed. But you can all help slow the spread of the virus too:
- Keep the number of people outside your household or support bubble you meet to a minimum, and observe the rule of six
- Keep 2m away from people outside your household
- Wash your hands regularly, especially when you return home
- Wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces
- Book a test […]
Updated guidance on shielding from COVID-19 for the clinically extremely vulnerable
Updated advice on shielding: 13 October
Healthwatch England has updated its information sheet on shielding to reflect the new Government guidance effective from 13th October 2020. The focus is more on protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable based on the local situation rather than one piece of advice covering everyone. This does mean that it’s trying to reflect more complex guidance. Healthwatch England has highlighted the key areas that people need to know about but kept in links to overall guidance for reference.
Changes to Government shielding advice, issued 13 October
From 1 August 2020, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable were advised that shielding had been paused. With the introduction of the three COVID-19 alert levels from 14 October 2020, the guidance has been updated.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people in England will receive new guidance to help them reduce their risk from coronavirus, tailored to the risk of their local area.
A Very High COVID-19 alert level does not mean you have to shield. Shielding is considered as an additional intervention agreed by ministers under advice from local public health experts and the Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
The Government will write to people at the highest risk of serious illness in areas […]
Three Tier Approach to COVID restrictions – effective from 14.10.10
Portsmouth is in the (Tier One: medium) alert category for England under COVID restrictions
This means that:
Meeting friends and family
You can meet in a group of up to six people from multiple households. This includes children and applies indoors and outdoors, including private homes. There are exceptions, for example if your household or support bubble is larger than six. Meeting in larger groups (with certain exceptions) is against the law, with fines up to £6,400.
Going to work
You should work at home if possible. If you have to return to your workplace your employer must make arrangements for you to work safely.
Schools and nurseries
Primary and secondary schools are open, as are nurseries and childcare. If a school has coronavirus cases, local health protection teams will advise what to do.
Leisure time
Pubs, bars and restaurants are restricted to table service only and must close at 22:00 BST. People are only allowed to visit in groups of six or less (unless they are from a larger household or support bubble). At least one member of any group should give their contact details or check in using the NHS Covid app. Face coverings must be worn, except when seated to eat or drink.
Shopping
Shops can open with social […]
World Mental Health Day 10 October 2020
The 2020 theme is ‘Mental health for all. Greater investment, greater access’.
The global pandemic has resulted in increased need for mental health support as people are struggling with stress, anxiety, health and financial worries and lack of social support in higher numbers than ever before. The World Federation of Mental Health are creating a call to action to make access to mental health support a reality for everyone.
MIND are encouraging everyone to ‘do one thing’ to improve mental health on 10th October. Their suggestions include, accessing information and support, sharing your mental health story, or practicing selfcare. There is a toolkit of images on the linked page
Find out more at:
World Federation of Mental Health https://wfmh.global/world-mental-health-day-2020/
Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/
Wake up to Homelessness
The numbers of people sleeping rough are on the rise, and with winter approaching and Covid-19 rising, it’s more urgent than ever to support the homeless.
World Homeless Day was started in 2010 to raise awareness of homeless issues and ten years on, the issue is more important than ever. Homeless charity St Mungo’s is urging people to Wake up to Homelessness on this World Homeless Day as part of their awareness raising campaign.
The charity is working with partners across the country to help keep rough sleepers and those in hostels, protected from coronavirus and able to self-isolate if they do need to. Poor physical or mental health are often both a cause and consequence of homelessness.
The average life span for a homeless man is just 45 and a woman, just 43, due to health problems, according to St Mungo’s, so identifying and supporting homeless people is vital.
It can be unclear just how you can help someone who is homeless so here is some advice and guidance:
If someone is rough sleeping / on the streets and is unwell, possibly with Covid-19 symptoms you should:
- If the […]