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downsmail.co.uk Don’t panic, wash your hands


NEWS of the Coronavirus outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, is changing daily, but public health officials have been urging people to prepare, not panic.


At the time of going to press,


Public Health England say 319 cases have been confirmed in the UK, with six confirmed cases in Kent. The respiratory infection, named COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely related to SARS and MERS. While the majority of cases are


in China, the infection has been di- agnosed in dozens of countries, including the USA. Italy has been in lockdown


since March 10, with public gath- erings cancelled and schools and universities closed. So, what do you need to know? And what can you do? How do you catch it? The NHS says this is not known, but simi- lar viruses spread through cough droplets. What are the symptoms? A high temperature, coughing, and shortness of breath. Is there a cure? None at the mo-


‘Buddies’ take to the


telephones JACKIE Hirsch, director of the Larkfield Community- Group has had to put their “Buddies Scheme” on hold temporarily due to the threat from Coronavirus. With the elderly being at


most risk of infection, Jackie took the decision to stop as- sessing new referrals, and to stop recruiting new volun- teers until the virus is under control. “It’s such a shame, but our members understand totally why we have to do this” said Jackie. “If we can’t visit, we make sure our ‘Buddies’ phone and keep in touch with our members.” “It’s very worrying” she


said.


“Most of our members are elderly, isolated people which is why we started the scheme, and now when they may be in most need of social contact, we can’t be there to provide it”. l See story on page 23


6 Malling March 2020 Pupils kept at home


AYLESFORD Secondary School in Teapot Lane shut to years 7, 8 and 9 last week as staff and pupils self-isolated following coronavirus symptoms. The school had told parents to keep their children at home if they were


in the affected years, but pupils in the years above were still able to attend. Tanya Kelvie, head teacher at Aylesford School, said; “We had a number


of staff and students self-isolating and as such it was untenable to run the school at full capacity.” The head said no cases of Covid-19 had been confirmed on site.


Where to get the latest news


WITH the start of daily briefings from the government concerning all things COVID-19, here is a useful link to official guidance on the coro- navirus, social distancing for everyone in the UK and protecting older people and the vulnerable:


www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19


ment, but health organisations are developing vaccines. The WHO says face masks are


not actually, very effective. They are too loose, don’t cover your eyes and can’t be worn for long periods. And don’t wear a face- mask unless you’re sick. Masks help protect others from catching the virus. Wearing one when you’re healthy won’t help much.


l Do cover your mouth and nose when sneezing with a tissue. Dis- pose of the tissue immediately. Stay at least one metre away from people coughing or sneezing. l Do wash your hands several times a day. Use soap and water or a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. l Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. If you have come into con-


tact with the virus, touching your face can help it enter your body. l Do take extra precautions and stay out of public gatherings if you’re over 60 years old, or have a higher risk of contracting the virus. Health organisations say the highest risk groups appear to be seniors and people with pre- existing heart or respiratory dis- eases, and diabetes. l Do seek help early if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breath- ing. Telephone 111 and follow the advice you are given. Do not go to your GP. You will be tested for COVID-19. most probably at home.


Health experts across the coun-


try are assessing new cases on an hourly basis to achieve a balanced response. New measures, includ- ing those aimed at protecting the elderly and others considered vul- nerable, are expected. Current modelling suggests the disease won’t peak until the summer months.


Firms rally to


help isolated STAFF at Brewers Fayre Castle Lake, Leybourne, and Larkfield taxi service Place2Place, have ral- lied round to help those vulnerable to the threat of Coronavirus. Castle Lake general manager


Kelly Doyle used social media to appeal for dried goods, toiletries and other items that may help those unable to go shopping. She said: “If anyone has any-


thing to contribute, please drop it to us at Castle Lake.” Castle Lake can accept:


l Canned food l Dried goods inc. cereals l Long-life milk l Toiletries l Nappies l Baby milk l Wipes Place2Place Cars will arrange to


do residents’ shopping and deliver it to their homes free of charge. Anyone who needs anything should let the firm call 01622 791400 or 01732 871234. A spokesman wrote: "We’ve had


lots of kind people offering to do- nate towards the cost of our petrol. While we appreciate this gesture, could we ask you to donate to a local food bank instead."


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