Corporate

Latest Government Advice on Coronavirus

Reading Borough Council is urging all residents and businesses in the town to ensure they follow updated Government advice on Coronavirus.

The Government last night announced that the UK has moved into the ‘delay’ phase. It has updated its guidance as a result, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection The guidance includes new information on what members of the public should do if they have symptoms of a high temperature or a new continuous cough. This includes:
  • Staying at home for 7 days to help protect others in your community while you are infectious.
  • Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
  • You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
The Council is urging residents to continue to check on the latest information as the fast moving situation means guidance is likely to change regularly. To prevent further spread of the illness, and limit the numbers affected, national guidance continues to be that taking basic hygiene precautions is the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.

Reading Borough Council Leader Jason Brock said:

“This is understandably a concerning time for everyone, but the best approach we can all take is to follow the latest Government guidance, which is based on advice from public health professionals. "The advice is aimed at limiting the spread of the virus and we should all take sensible precautions and regularly check for any updated guidance. I would remind everyone that there is a general duty on us to practice proper hygiene to limit transmission of the virus – people who, like me, are not from a higher-risk group have a responsibility to help protect those who may be at higher risk. “There is currently no guidance from Government to close schools. In terms of local services, the Council has been reviewing and updating its own business continuity plans for a number of weeks now to ensure we are as prepared as we can be. At this time there is no immediate impact on Council services, but we will keep everything under review as Public Health England advice develops, and communicate any changes to the public at the appropriate time.”