Information about COVID-19
This page has been designed to provide up-to-date information, guidance and advice with regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please click here for the Government's stay at home advice and here for more general information.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against coronavirus. I am delighted that over 30,000 people in North West Norfolk have now had the vaccine.
In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres. More centres are opening all the time.
The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then. Letters are being sent out every week – you might not get your letter straight away.
It's being given to:
- people aged 80 and over
- some people aged 70 and over
- some people who are clinically extremely vulnerable
- people who live or work in care homes
- health and social care workers
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Read the latest JCVI advice on priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccination on GOV.UK
Roadmap out of lockdown
The government has published a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across England and provide a route back to a more normal way of life.
Read more here.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a ‘type’ of virus. The coronavirus we are all affected by is called COVID-19, but you may also hear it called 'coronavirus'.
How serious is COVID-19?
Most people who get the virus have make a full recovery, but the virus can cause more severe symptoms and death. This is particularly true for people with a weakened immune system, for older people and for those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
When too many people become infected, the NHS will not be able to cope. PLEASE STAY AT HOME AND SAVE LIVES.
What are the symptoms?
If you are infected you experience a range of symptoms but the two symptoms to look out for are:
- A new continuous cough
- A fever or high temperature
- A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
What should I do if I have either of the above symptoms?
If you have any coronavirus symptoms get a test and stay at home.
For further information read this government advice on staying at home and isolating.
If at-risk people share your home - such as those who are older and those with underlying health conditions - ideally they should move out, perhaps to stay with friends or family for the whole isolation period. If they can't move out, they must keep as much distance as possible from others in the home during this period. Use disinfectant to keep surfaces clean, wash hands and keep them away from your face.
What should I do if self-isolation is difficult?
- You can't manage with your symptoms at home
- Your conditions get worse
- Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
You should use the online 111 service or if you can't use the online service call 111.
How can you avoid getting and spreading the virus?
Scientists think the virus spreads via droplets from coughs and sneezes and we know it spreads easily and can stay on surfaces for a while. Follow the advice below to reduce your risk and the risk to others.
- Avoid non-essential contact with others - work from home if you can and don't socialising with others - if you do go out keep 6 feet (2metres) distance.
- Wear a face mask - find when and where here.
- Wash your hands - with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. Do this before leaving home and after returning home, before eating and drinking, and after coughing or sneezing.
- Don't touch your face - especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean surfaces - disinfect surfaces around you - especially mobiles, computers, keyboards, worktops, desks, handles...
