Don’t be complacent about COVID-19, it’s right here in Plymouth, right now - that’s the joint message from the city’s director of public health Dr Ruth Harrell and the leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans OBE.
The message comes as the city’s public health team deals with an outbreak that could involve as many as 30 young people around the ages of 18 and 19, mainly from Plymouth, who have returned from holiday abroad last week. At least 11 have now tested positive for COVID-19. A further separate outbreak in a factory was confirmed earlier this week.
Many of the young people who tested positive showed no symptoms or very minor symptoms such a sore throat. Their holiday was in the Greek island of Zante - which is not currently subject to UK quarantine rules.
With the Bank Holiday weekend looming, the Council and its partners are ramping up reminders to stay safe and follow the guidance.
Director for Public Health Ruth Harrell said her team were working alongside the national systems to contact and trace the young people thought to have been affected, who have been really helpful and cooperative. And she warned:
“This deadly disease spreads. We know that some of these young people had no symptoms, and so carried on as normal, including a night out in Plymouth’s bars and restaurants, until they became aware of the risk. That means more people could be infected. While young people might have fairly mild symptoms, and sometimes none that you would notice, our big concern is that we know it can be very serious for people who have existing health problems or are older.
“We are in contact with all the pubs and bars across the city to remind them of their front line role in stopping the spread of this virus. They need to help us to protect the city. But it also needs everyone to help too. If you think you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you need to stay at home. If you get any symptoms, get tested as well as isolate. There’s no two ways round it.
While we are still below the point of triggering a lock down, this incident just goes to show how easily life can change. We all need to remain vigilant, whatever age we are and take proper precautions.”
Leader of Plymouth City Council Tudor Evans, said: “We cannot afford to be complacent. If you are going out you must follow the guidance.
“This is our wake up call. We have been fortunate so far in Plymouth that we have had a low number of cases, but Coronavirus has not gone away. Wash your hands as often as possible, keep your distance and wear a mask or face covering when you are told to.
“Be a good Janner- look out for Nanna.”
There have been many messages over the last few months around COVID-19 messages change, so here’s a quick reminder of the most important do’s and don’ts that could make all the difference- especially this weekend for anyone planning to go out.
If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 then please follow the instructions to self-isolate - ie stay at home, and only leave the house for testing or medical appointment
If you have symptoms, however mild - get a test. If you can’t drive to the testing centre at Seaton Barracks, then ask for home testing kit.
If you plan to go out:
Do
- Try to maintain social distancing at all times, two metres if you can and certainly no closer than one metre
- Avoid crowded places, close contact and confined spaces
- Wear a face covering where required
- Wash your hands as often as possible - with soap or a hand sanitiser
- Get tested if you have symptoms
- Self isolate if you think you have been in contact with anyone who may have been infected
Don’t
- Go out if you are showing any symptoms - however mild
- Ignore persistent coughs or loss of sense of smell
- Stay in a venue if you think it is too crowded - leave
- Get complacent
For further information please contact:
Jane Slavin, Corporate Communications Officer
Tel: 01752 304049
Fax: 01752 304933
Email: jane.slavin@plymouth.gov.uk