The campaign has 3 clear messages about coronavirus:
- anyone can get it, anyone can spread it
- act like you’ve got it, anyone can spread it
- if you go out, you can spread it. People will die
John Denley, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Public Health, said: "The new campaign makes it very clear that anyone can get coronavirus, and that anyone can spread it.
“By reducing our day to day contact with other people, we reduce the chance of coronavirus spreading, and that is why we all need to follow the Government's social distancing measures – particularly with the Easter Bank Holiday weekend approaching.
“We’ve now had nearly 3 weeks of social distancing, and the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor has said that it seems to be starting to have the desired effect in terms of reducing the rate of new infections. It is absolutely crucial that people do not let down their guard at this time and see the Easter weekend as a chance to start ignoring the rules – because people’s lives are at stake.”
The measures include people staying at home except for very limited purposes, the closure of non essential shops and community spaces and preventing gatherings of more than 2 people in public, except for members of the same household.
These measures should be followed by everyone. Separate advice is available for people or households who are isolating, and for the most vulnerable who need to be shielded.
Mr Denley said: "It’s great to see that so many individuals, families and businesses in Wolverhampton are complying with the guidance, and I thank every one of them for the sacrifices they are making at this difficult time. However, it is crucial that everybody continue to follow these measures if they are to be effective.
"Please consider not only your loved ones but also those in your community who are working so very hard to care for the elderly and vulnerable. It is vital we all play our part and stay home to protect lives and the NHS.”
People should only leave the house:
- to shop for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
- for 1 form of exercise a day, for instance a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
- for any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- to travel to and from work, but only where work cannot be done from home, or to take children to and from school if parents are classed as 'critical workers'
The Government has ordered non essential businesses and public spaces to be closed, including pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, non essential shops, markets (excluding food markets), libraries, community centres and youth centres, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, communal places within parks (such as playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms), places of worship, hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks.
The Government has banned all public gatherings of more than 2 people, except where they are from the same household or where the gathering is essential for work purposes – but workers should be trying to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace. People should keep 2 metres apart at all times, unless they are from the same household.
All social events, including weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies, have been stopped. Funerals continue, but can only be attended by immediate family members.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Advice for everyone.
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
