There is one topic that is on everybody’s mind at the moment and Well Doncaster is working hard with partners to delay the spread of Coronavirus and support our most vulnerable residents.
Doncaster’s Director of Public Heath, Dr Rupert Suckling has said “I’d like to reassure people that we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Doncaster are protected.”
There is a lot of guidance released by the government on how we can all do our part to delay the spread of the virus. Dr Mike Gent, Deputy Director, Health Protection at Public Health England Yorkshire and the Humber has reminded us that “It remains crucial for everyone to wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas where other people are doing so. Use hand sanitiser if that’s all you have access to. To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue away immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitising gel”.
Dr Rupert Suckling has demonstrated how to wash our hands properly and you can watch the video here: Hand Washing by Dr Rupert Suckling. You will also find an easy dos and don’t of Coronavirus to help you make the best choices in protecting yourself and others.
As the lock down begins we are aware that there are potentially serious economic repercussions both nationally and locally for our communities. On the 20th March Mayor Ros Jones announced a 10-point £5-£10 million plan to help people, communities, businesses and arts and leisure get through the COVID-19 emergency. The plan is in addition to Government support and is designed to help the most vulnerable and those who support them.
The plan includes:
- Creating a £5m fund to support the Doncaster response to coronavirus
- Three month council tax holiday for people struggling financially
- Three month rent holiday for struggling council house tenants and encourage private landlords to support tenants who are in financial hardship
- The Council will continue to offer free school meals in the community and provide a service to the children of key workers and looked after children in schools
- The council making quicker payments to small businesses and providers to help keep their businesses afloat and boost their cash flow
- Buying as many goods and services locally as possible to support Doncaster businesses – current local spend is 70% Work with local businesses to direct food supply chains to help meet community needs
- Redeploy Council staff flexibly and effectively where they are needed to support the emergency response
- Putting together isolation packs to support people and families in need
- Offering local artists the opportunity through an art and culture fund to keep working
- Boosting funding for on the ground voluntary groups so they are in a better position to help and act quicker
Strong and thriving communities is at the heart of Well Doncaster and so we are working with our partners and communities to support the fantastic groups and organisations that serve and support so many of our residents to make it through this challenging time
Currently we are supporting the establishment of Community Hubs and sharing information on how to stay physically and mentally well through the Five Ways to Wellbeing. A hotline has been set up and a postcard has been developed and will be delivered to every household in Doncaster so residents can register if they need support.
You can find government guidance: here
We will keep you updated as much as we can on the work we are doing.
Stay home and stay safe.
The Well Doncaster Team