Coronavirus information for Devon Carers services

Coronavirus information for Devon Carers services

We are working closely with our Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team to manage the risks to the smooth running of the Devon Carers services and groups we deliver should there be a widespread outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The facts we know about COVID-19 as at this date:

  1. According to the NHS website, COVID-19 cannot survive outside the body for long.
  2. Based on current evidence, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.
  3. Generally, coronavirus 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.

Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Please be reassured that we are monitoring updates and advice rigorously from the Department of Health, Public Health England (PHE) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

As this is a rapidly developing situation, we advise people to check the website links above for the latest advice and information.

Devon Carers services and groups will continue to run as usual.  Our staff and volunteers are being kept up to date with the latest guidance when working with carers.   We continue to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness at our sites and when working remotely in the community.  We will continue to follow all Public Health England guidance and advice to ensure the health and wellbeing of all services users, carers, staff and volunteers remain our priority.

Specific advice is available from the Government for returning travellers.  If you have recently travelled and returned from any of the areas listed in the link, the advice from Public Health England is:

Category 1:

Travellers should self-isolate, even if asymptomatic, and call NHS 111 to inform of recent travel.

Category 2:

Travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms, they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.

If you require any further information, please contact comms@westbank.org.uk