“This Enemy Can Be Deadly. But It Is Also Beatable”

“This enemy can be deadly. But it is also beatable” said the Prime Minister yesterday.

To beat coronavirus each of us must play our part in preventing the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). To beat it we must heed the advice put out by the government to prevent it spreading further and harming our loved ones.

One in five of the population in the Folkestone & Hythe District are 70 plus. To give that an understandable number, that means 23,989 people are 70 and above, according to the latest NHS Digital data published on the 12 March 2020.

On Sunday 15th March, Health Secretary Matt Hancock made it clear on the Andrew Marr show  that every Briton over the age of 70 will be told “within the coming weeks” to stay at home for an extended period to protect themselves from coronavirus

However, as we understand there is no current plan to ask the over-70s to “completely socially isolate”. What the Govt is asking, is that older people minimise social contact, not end it.

However, it is NOT just those who are 70 plus who have to be careful. Those who

• have a long-term condition

• are pregnant

• have a weakened immune system

should also take extra precautions.

The latest data available says there are 14 cases of confirmed coronavirus in Kent (12) & Medway (2). The population of Kent & Medway is approx 1.8 million.

About Covid-19

Since first being identified as a new coronavirus strain in patients from the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China, late last year, covid-19 has spread around the globe.

The virus can cause pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. You can find out more about the symptoms and the latest government guidance here.

There are things you can do to protect yourself and slow the spread of the virus. Chief among them are regularly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues.

Coronavirus information on healthcare advice for employers and support for businesses can be found ⇒ here

Regardless of age, just remember when London was in lock down during the plague in Shakespeare’s time, it closed down theatres and unfortunately he went to visit a friend who got it and he wasn’t allowed out of the house, so he was isolated.

During his isolation he penned, King Lear, Macbeth and Antony and Cleopatra.

Each of you has a wonderful story to tell and perhaps you could spend your time penning your story. We’re sure your family would love to here it when the world returns to normal. It will happen as this virus is beatable, and we will as a community, as a county and a country beat it.

Take care out there people.

The Shepwayvox Team

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