An open letter from Herefordshire Council and local health partners
Herefordshire Council and local health partners have written an open letter to thank Herefordshire residents for following the Covid-19 rules:
Dear resident
I’d like to thank you for following the Covid-19 rules and underline how important it is for everyone to increase their efforts so we can prevent the virus from overwhelming our community. Adhering to the guidance in the first lockdown proved highly effective in driving down cases of Covid-19 and we can do it again. If we don’t follow the rules, cases will rise and future lockdowns are likely. Nobody wants this.
In recent months significant numbers of people across the UK have failed to self-isolate when required and others have ignored the Covid-19 rules of social distancing, using face coverings and frequent thorough handwashing. This behaviour has led to a rapid rise in cases, a high number of Covid-19 hospital admissions and increasing numbers of seriously ill people. The number of Covid-related deaths across the country has returned to hundreds per day. Tragically, since the pandemic started, 131 Herefordshire residents have died due to the disease.
One of the biggest challenges with this virus is that most people experience mild symptoms, while some have no symptoms at all. But anyone who is Covid-19 positive can spread the virus to others who may then become seriously ill and possibly die. This could be your mum or dad, your grandparents, your friend or work colleague.
That is why we are appealing to everyone in Herefordshire to follow the rules to keep yourself and others in our community safe.
If we all do the right thing, we can stop the infection spreading. We will save businesses, save jobs and above all – save lives.
Please remember:
- If you need support, and you don’t have friends or family to help, you can contact Talk Community on: 01432 260027.
- The NHS advises on self-isolation. Visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/
- For details of the current lockdown rules visit www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november
We know you have read this so many times, but please:
WASH HANDS OFTEN; WEAR A FACE-COVERING; MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Thank you
Please Stay Safe Herefordshire
Alistair Neill, Herefordshire Council Chief Executive
Karen Wright, Director of Public Health
Simon Trickett, Chief Executive, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group
Dr Mike Hearne, MD Taurus Healthcare Ltd (representing Herefordshire general practice)