Being prepared for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Date: 
Monday, 9 March, 2020


The Council is preparing for any impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) should East Dunbartonshire be impacted by the spread of the virus.catch it , bin it, kill it poster

Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson said, “It is important for all organisations to be prepared for the further spread of the coronavirus, and to ensure that we have plans in place across all our Council services to respond to any impact in this area. 

“I can reassure the residents of East Dunbartonshire that we are engaged with all of the relevant authorities that are managing coronavirus and that we are planning accordingly.”  

The NHS is the one source of information that people should use for guidance and advice.  NHS Scotland publishes information, which is regularly updated, on the NHS inform website at www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody added, “Many people are offering advice and guidance in relation to coronavirus and it is important to emphasise that the NHS is the official source that people should follow.  The Council will share the key messages and key information from the NHS, but it is worth stressing that you should not rely on information originating from any other source, including news websites.”

The key advice on protecting yourself and others from any respiratory virus, including coronavirus (COVID-19) is to:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze
  • Bin the tissue
  • To kill germs, wash your hands with soap and water, or use a high alcohol based sanitiser gel.

The NHS inform website also includes important information on areas of the world that present a higher risk of catching the virus, and guidance on what to do if you have recently travelled to one of these category 1 or category 2 areas.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) should telephone their GP or the NHS on 111.

Anyone who does not have symptoms but is looking for general information can call a free dedicated helpline on 0800 028 2816.

The helpline has been set up by the NHS and is open:

  • Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 10.00pm
  • Saturday and Sunday, 9.00am to 5.00pm

The NHS has also produced posters with advice for public buildings and the Council will be displaying these throughout the area.

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