County Council Warns Residents to Self Isolate if Asked

As the number of cases of coronavirus in Derbyshire continues to rise, residents across the county are being reminded to self-isolate if anyone in their household or support bubble tests positive for the virus.

Director of Public Health for Derbyshire Dean Wallace said: “Cutting off contact is the key to containing any virus – and coronavirus is no different in that respect.

“But as a new virus which we know relatively little about, self-isolation is our only defence at the current time to prevent it from reaching the vulnerable.

“There is no vaccine and may not be for some time. We need people to do the right thing and stay at home if they or someone in their family tests positive – no matter how mild their symptoms may be.”

He added: “Just because you haven’t got symptoms, doesn’t mean you haven’t got it. If you live with someone who is infected, you could be carrying the virus too and infecting others, even if you feel fine.

“New laws mean people who have tested positive could be fined if they don’t self-isolate. But a far worse punishment is knowing that you may have been responsible for passing this life-threatening bug to someone you love who may not be able to fight it. It’s just not worth the risk.”

Help is available if you need to self-isolate. The county council’s Community Response Unit can support you to arrange deliveries for food and prescriptions if you have no friends or family to call on, or put you in touch with someone who can have a chat over the phone if you feel lonely. You can request help online at derbyshire.gov.uk/gethelp or by calling 01629 535091, Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.

Some people on low incomes may also be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if they are required to stay at home and self-isolate. Contact your local district or borough council for more information.