TOWN Hall and health chiefs at Warrington have repeated their assurances that the town is well prepared to deal with any local outbreak of COVID-19 – Coronavirus.
One case was confirmed in the borough on Wednesday – a resident tested positive and is currently self-isolating after recently returning to the UK from Italy.
This remains the only case confirmed in Warrington.
The borough council and NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are working closely with local NHS providers, Public Health England (PHE), NHS England and other partner organisations, and say they are well prepared to deal with any outbreak.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s cabinet member for housing, public health and wellbeing, said: “I’d like to reassure people that we are prepared for dealing with cases of coronavirus. We are doing everything we can to stop the virus spreading and protect the people of Warrington.
“We have been working for a number of years with our partners to develop and test plans to deal with infectious disease outbreaks. We are now holding regular meetings with the NHS and PHE, as well other key partners, to ensure we have robust plans in place to protect the town from the risk of the virus.
“We are also ensuring schools across the borough are being kept up to date with this evolving situation, providing relevant guidance on prevention. We are now at the stage where we all need to work together to delay the spread of the virus.”
Dr Andrew Davies, clinical chief officer for NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We are working closely in partnership with the council, local NHS providers, NHS England, PHE and other partners, to minimise the risk to the public.
“We are supporting PHE to trace others who might be affected. If you are not contacted directly by PHE you don’t need to do anything, other than follow the new public guidance, which is available online at nhs.uk/coronavirus.
“We all have a crucial role to play in containing the spread of the virus and protecting ourselves and others. Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, with soap and water, for a duration of 20 seconds each time.”
Residents are being reminded that if you cough or sneeze, you should cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and then bin it straight away.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus, such as a high temperature or a new continuous cough, however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for at least seven days from when your symptoms started. Please do not go to your GP practice or to hospital.
Full guidance on “staying at home” is available on the Government’s website.
