New coronavirus microsite launched

Derbyshire County Council has created a new microsite with the latest advice and information for residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Updated at 2pm each day, it will feature advice from the Government and Public Health England on how people can play their part in containing the outbreak, as well as information on the latest confirmed Derbyshire cases at district level.

The county council's director of public health, Dean Wallace, is encouraging people to visit the new microsite on the county council’s website to check for updates and keep themselves in the know.

He said: “Each and every one of us has a key role to play in the management of coronavirus and it is important that we provide people with the right information, particularly as we prepare for measures that could have more impact on our daily lives.

“The best prevention measure is by practising good hand hygiene – washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds – and making sure you use a tissue if you sneeze, bin it then wash your hands afterwards to kill the virus.

“By doing this, you can help protect yourself as well as your family and friends.”

There are currently four confirmed cases of coronavirus in Derbyshire, all having picked up the infection from abroad.

The risk to the general public of coronavirus remains low and the county council say it is working with the NHS, government, district and borough councils as well as Public Health England to ensure the people of Derbyshire are protected and kept well informed.

“There’s lots of rumours and misinformation doing the rounds,” added Dean. “It’s important we provide advice and information people can trust and I’d ask people to visit the new microsite where they’ll find all the latest information around the virus, how to prevent its spread and what to do if they’re concerned they might be at risk.

“Public services have a great deal of experience and expertise in dealing with illness outbreaks and are well prepared to manage a widespread infection such as the coronavirus.

“We can all play our part and that’s why we’ve taken the decision to publish the number of cases for Derbyshire at a district level which will help keep local people informed.”

For the latest information and advice on coronavirus, go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.