Coronavirus: Sheffield director of public health gives updated advice for tackling outbreak

Speaking to the people of Sheffield today (March 20), Greg Fell said: “Information on COVID-19 is changing fast.

“Sheffield City Council continues to work closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all health and care partners to do everything we can in terms of preventing further spread of the virus and caring for those who have it.

“We now have many confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city, and unfortunately we have confirmed deaths. This is the most testing time we have experienced nationally and that is why it’s important to highlight the things we should all be doing in order to combat this virus.”

Mr Fell outlined the following steps people should take to remain safe:

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you'll need to stay at home for 7 days

If you live with someone who has symptoms, you'll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and more often

Avoid social activities such as going to pubs, restaurants and theatres

Avoid mass gatherings such as events and religious gatherings

Work from home, if possible

Avoid all unnecessary travel

“I urge everyone in the city to follow this advice,” he added.

“It is especially important that those who are most vulnerable are protected, as we know that some groups are particularly susceptible to more severe illness and risk of death. This includes all those over 70, those adults who are normally recommended a flu vaccination by their GP, pregnant women and a small group of people with weakened immunity as a result of an illness or treatment.

“We encourage those who are vulnerable to stay at home. This is likely to be for at least twelve weeks.”

There are 40 cases of coronavirus in Sheffield as of March 19. One person has sadly died after testing positive for the disease.