What is COVID-19 and what are the symptoms?
COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. It is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has COVID-19 infection:
- cough
- difficulty in breathing
- fever
Generally, these infections can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Covid-19 Support and advice for local people:
Information for people that have previously been told they are in the shielded category, vulnerable, those financially struggling, older persons, or are self-isolating can visit www.dudleycvsreview.org/support-for-local-people for more information.
Get coronavirus support as a clinically vulnerable person – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable. Register with this service if either:
- you have a medical condition which means you’re classed as being clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus
- you’ve been told by your GP or hospital clinician that you’re clinically extremely vulnerable and need to ‘shield’
Where to look for general advice on keeping yourself and those around you healthy and safe:
Dudley Council’s coronavirus advice page https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/emergencies/coronavirus-advice
Dudley Council has produced an information booklet on staying safe and well during the coronavirus outbreak: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?EID=00d6588e-e91d-4b9e-a278-ebf19e302a64
Government information and advice: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response/
Guidance from The World Health Organisation on how to best protect yourself against infection: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
NHS overview: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
NHS common questions: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/
Information for children and young people:
A free information book explaining coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler: https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-today-free-information-book-explaining-coronavirus-children-illustrated-gruffalo-illustrator-axel-scheffler/
Your wellbeing:
24-7 support line for Black Country residents requiring urgent mental health support during the pandemic. Adults, older adults, children and young people can call 0345 646 0827 (select option 2 if you live in Dudley borough)
Mind (mental health charity) are offering advice around how to help your wellbeing if you are required to self-isolate or worried about the coronavirus and covers the following areas: Plan for staying at home or indoors/ take care of your mental health and wellbeing & a checklist to see if you are ready to stay at home for two weeks?
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Sport England tips for keeping active at home:
Local information:
Latest updates from Dudley Council: https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/emergencies/coronavirus-advice/
Scam warning from police: https://west-midlands.police.uk/news/coronavirus-scam-warning-protect-yourself-and-your-details-fraudsters?fbclid=IwAR2S9yA9BGNF-cA7I04sLl_SxnLeNWtdY7FeUlNBukV59zUoW-nio5uJfBQ
Looking to help with local COVID-19 efforts?
Could you as an individual or your group/organisation help to support local vulnerable people?
Voluntary organisation & community group INFORMATION & ADVICE
Information and guidance for your organisation including, keeping healthy and safe, where to look for information on charity finance and fundraising, managing your organisation, local updates and useful resources.
COVID-19 COMMUNITY ACTION AND SUPPORT
Co-ordinating community response to COVID-19 in Dudley borough.
