Statement: COVID-19 community resilience in Stroud district
Published: Tuesday, 17 March, 2020
Stroud District Council political group leaders Doina Cornell, Martin Whiteside, Ken Tucker and Stephen Davies, SDC Chief Executive Kathy O’Leary, Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie and The Cotswolds MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown have issued a joint statement to address residents’ concerns and thank them for their co-operation and offers to help others in their communities.
“Our communities are facing a challenge which has not been faced before but we are doing everything we can with partners to ensure we are as prepared and resilient as possible.
Experienced emergency planners have robust plans in place to help protect everyone who lives and works in the Stroud district. No-one will be left behind and no council tenant will lose their home because they are affected by COVID-19. Essential services are being prioritised to ensure they continue to run.
Residents most in need have been identified by Stroud District Council and partners to ensure they get the help that they require. As community leaders, we have also been impressed with the strong response from our communities and volunteer networks already. We have seen residents checking that neighbours are safe by offering support, reassurance or just a chat. Even small actions can have a positive impact. Please share what you are doing by using the hashtag #gloscommunity
We are collating information about trusted and resilient groups and organisations who can offer assistance to those at home either because they are self-isolating or unwell - please email emergency.planning@stroud.gov.uk if you can help.
To protect the public and staff, the decision has been taken to close the Museum in the Park in Stroud and The Pulse leisure centre in Dursley. The operators of Stratford Park leisure centre have been asked by SDC to close the facility in the interests of public safety.
It’s important to remember that thousands of people are being tested each day and in most cases, the virus Covid-19 is mild. We should remain vigilant though and carry on with thorough hand washing and related personal hygiene measures. It’s also very important to bear in mind guidance around distancing to protect the most vulnerable.
Please stay at home if you have a high temperature or you feel hot to touch on your chest or back and stay at home if you have a new, continuous cough. You do not need to contact 111 or to tell them you're staying at home - NHS advice is not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital in these cases.
However if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, please use NHS 111 online and only call 111 if you cannot get help online.”
For daily updates please visit our COVID-19 advice page.