People across West Norfolk are being urged to do their bit to protect each other, and help our area emerge in a good position from lockdown.
With Covid 19 cases rising in our district, local people are being asked to each play their part by following the rules- helping their neighbours, families, friends, communities, and themselves to stay safe.
James said,"No one wanted to have national restrictions and I know how challenging they are but with increasing rates they are necessary for a limited time to prevent QEH and local NHS services from being unable to cope.
Everyone in West Norfolk can play their part now by following the rules to bring infection rates under control so that when the national restrictions end Norfolk can go back to fewer restrictions and on our way of life."
Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health said:
“Rates of coronavirus in west Norfolk have continued to climb over the last week and we can’t link this to any one outbreak in a factory or other setting – it is likely that the virus is being spread in the community. We are seeing more admissions to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and very sadly we are seeing an increase in the number of people dying as a result of this disease. The people of west Norfolk have pulled together throughout this pandemic and it’s only by working together again that we will bring down rates of the virus and protect King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Please follow the restrictions – stay home as much as possible, wash your hands, make space and wear a face covering where needed.”
The new national restrictions are in place until 2nd December and are designed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, and the impact of this on the NHS. Caroline Shaw, Chief Executive at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is also asking the public to do everything they can to help West Norfolk during this crucial period of time
Caroline said: “The Trust is doing everything it can to safely care for our patients this winter but we really need our local community to help us by playing their part. This includes getting a flu jab if you are eligible for one and following the Government guidelines on social distancing, hand washing and wearing face masks. These actions will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as well as flu, both of which will reduce pressure on beds at QEH and our staff. There are many ways patients can access care this winter – local pharmacists can provide advice on medicines and care for the common cold and very minor injuries, GPs should be the first port of call for longer term issues while our hospital is there for urgent, life-threatening conditions like suspected stroke, heart attack or for suspected fractures and wounds that won’t stop bleeding. Choosing the right service will ensure patients can get the care they need quickly.”
West Norfolk residents are being reminded of how vital it is to minimise contact with each other, for example, in busy places such as school drop-offs and pick-ups.And, it is also vital that anyone required to self-isolate – if they have Covid-19 symptoms or have received a positive test result, or lives with someone who has coronavirus – does so.
West Norfolk residents are being reminded of how important it is to minimise contact with each other, for example, in busy places such as school drop-offs and pick-ups.
The latest support for businesses include:
- Grants which will be available for businesses who are closed for ‘in person’ services with the amount of the grant dependent on the rateable value of the business on the date lockdown started. An application process will be in place for the grants, and businesses will need to complete the form to confirm they are eligible for the grant, including declaring that they have been legally required to close. The form will be found here shortly: https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/homepage/326/council-service-updates
- The Borough Council will also be extending their support offer through Lily to vulnerable residents of west Norfolk. Anyone can refer to Lily and individuals can self-refer. Lily works closely with partner charities in west Norfolk to provide the most appropriate support to individuals. Lily also works with Voluntary Norfolk to co-ordinate any volunteer provisions for residents. More information can be found here: www.asklily.org.uk
- The borough council will be using the grounds of North Lynn Community Centre for the provision of emergency accommodation throughout the winter. The accommodation will consist of six self-contained welfare cabins which will be delivered to the site on Monday 9th November 2020. The site will be supervised by security 24/7. There will also be four additional pods located in South Lynn.
- Whilst Alive West Norfolk sites have closed during the national restrictions, people in west Norfolk can still stay fit thanks to Alive’s Active at Home online fitness classes: https://www.alivewestnorfolk.co.uk/active-at-home/
West Norfolk, let’s stop the spread of coronavirus together:
- Stay at home as much as you can;
• Don’t meet people indoors;
• Only meet one person outside,
• Only make essential journeys;
• Remember: hands, face, space;
• Self-isolate if you have Covid-19 symptoms or have received a positive test result, or live with someone who has coronavirus.
To find out more Let's Protect West Norfolk Together please visit: https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/news/article/890/let_s_protect_west_nor…
