COVID-19: Stay Alert. Control the Virus. Save Lives.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a rapidly changing situation, and your best sources of real time information are always going to be trusted news channels on TV, radio or internet-enabled devices such as your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.

Short Film from UK Government showing importance of ventilation

The really simple advice is STAY AT HOME and WASH YOUR HANDS, in all other situations MAINTAIN PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING, WEAR A MASK, and ensure PROPER VENTILATION

Here’s a checklist of sensible precautions we can all follow to protect our own health and that of our families and neighbours over the coming weeks and months, put together with the help of a practising front-line doctor.

  • Avoid crowds, groups or gatherings; only go out if it is absolutely essential;
  • Social distancing (minimum 2 metres/6 feet) is important until the virus subsides completely;
  • Wash your hands frequently (be very disciplined about this), and keep them away from your face;
  • Use sanitiser gel frequently if you have to be out and about;
  • Avoid touching your face (especially your eyes, nose and mouth);
  • Steer well clear of anyone obviously sick;
  • Use a tissue when you cough, dispose of the tissue safely and wash your hands afterwards;
  • If it is necessary to allow others in your home, or go to others homes, HANDS FACE SPACE, VENTILATE;
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day;
  • Take your own temperature everyday;
  • If you are sick, particularly with a temperature and/or cough, self-isolate for 7 – 10 days and use 111 for further advice;
  • Try and stay indoors as much as possible (work from home);
  • Remember that a lot of people who catch the virus don’t feel particularly sick at first, and 4 out of 5 people will only have a mild disease.

The  links further down this page include national sources of authority which are updated daily or as things change, as well as information about our village emergency activities.

The latest evidence is that this coronavirus strain survives…:

  • 24hrs on paper, cardboard, plastic, and soft furnishings (so shopping deliveries may have it on the outside packaging of every item)
  • 72 hrs on metal (so petrol pump, cars, door handles and shopping trolleys can carry it)
  • 96 hrs on copper surfaces
  • It will survive in your fridge.

It can be killed by:

  • 60 minutes exposure to UV light (sunlight),
  • 90 minutes at 56 degrees Centigrade (it can survive longer than 2 hours in water at 4-37 degrees C, so use a dishwasher).

In terms of cleaning, it can be killed by:

  • Hot soapy water (above 37 degrees C)
  • 0.1% bleach
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • 60-70% alcohol
  • Time; if you leave a room/car/anything alone for 4 days it will self-clean i.e. the virus will die
NHS Guidance
NHS 111 Coronavirus
Click here for 111 online coronavirus
UK Government Guidance
World Health Organisation
Wiltshire Council
  • Community testing in Wiltshire and how to book a test
  • A Wellbeing Hub specifically for Wiltshire’s most vulnerable residents to receive support and guidance during COVID-19. The phone line is 0300 003 4576 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday or via email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19 News and updates
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