OLDER people and those with underlying health conditions are being urged to take extra care to protect themselves from covid-19.
Tameside Council is making the plea in response to another increase in the rate of positive cases across the borough – which is now over 100 per 100,000 – as well as a rise in cases among more vulnerable people, who are more at risk of becoming very ill or even dying from the virus.
People who fall within the more vulnerable categories are advised to take additional steps to protect themselves by being extra cautious when making decisions to socialise, avoiding crowds and avoiding going places that are not COVID-19 secure.
Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Brenda Warrington said: “We all need to be totally focused on sticking to the current guidelines and safety measures for Tameside to help protect ourselves and others – but everyone who is particularly vulnerable because they are older or have underlying health conditions – or who were previously identified as shielding – need to go that step further in being vigilant.
“We’re seeing a continued increase in cases in Tameside and, unfortunately, an increase in people becoming very poorly from the virus. This poses additional risk to all of us but particularly those whose health is more vulnerable.
“I’m asking everyone to play their part here – everyone needs to stick to the rules not just to protect themselves but also their more vulnerable family members and friends, who are more at risk from being very ill or even dying from covid. But I must also urge people who are vulnerable to do everything they can do go that extra mile to protect themselves.”
Older people and people with underlying health conditions are advised to stringently follow these steps:
- Ensure stringent social distancing – stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble
- Limit your social contacts – being mindful of the widespread virus transmission
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, and as soon as you get home – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available
- Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose where social distancing is not possible outdoors and indoors. By law, you must now wear them in most indoor settings including public transport, shops, post-offices, banks, beauty salons, visitor attractions and entertainment venues, libraries, community centres, places of worship and public areas in hotels
- Avoid crowded environments where the risk of transmission is higher
- Avoid businesses that are not COVID-19 secure (including pubs, cafes and restaurants) If they are not looking after you, don’t go there!
- This is in addition to the current restrictions of not mixing with anyone from outside your household in any indoor setting or private garden and not mixing outdoors with groups of more than six.
For further advice and guidance see www.tameside.gov.uk/itworks. Anyone who requires emergency support can call 0161 342 8355.