COVID-19

I will be providing regular updates to you on the Government's response to coronavirus (COVID-19). 

For general queries regarding Coronavirus and lockdown restrictions, please refer to the Government's Coronavirus website, here.

For individual queries that cannot be answered by the Government FAQs, please continue to contact my office.

I will post updates on this page as they are announced. If you have specific queries please do not hesitate to contact my parliamentary office on 0161 672 6855/ 0207 219 8091 or at mary.robinson.mp@parliament.uk.

I have compiled a list of emergency contacts here.

 

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a disease that appeared late-2019. Common signs of infection include fever, dry cough, a taste in sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome. Those who are older or have underlying health issues are more at risk.

 

Importance of hygiene

We must practice good hygiene which includes regular hand washing, sneezing/coughing into a tissue that is then thrown away. Follow advice to wash your hands frequently, for 20 seconds every time. You should also avoid touching your face, and food, without washing your hands immediately beforehand. To prevent infection, these measures are all recommended. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing and practice self-isolation if you show these symptoms. Click here for more information. 

If you have a high temperature (37.8c) or a new continuous cough or other symptoms of Covid-19, you must self isolate. This will help to others in our community while you are infectious. For further information and advice, please visit the NHS website.

When leaving the house, try to remember hands, face space - wash your hands for 20 seconds, keep a distance from people and wear a face covering to keep you and others safe. Further details can be found here

If you are concerned that you or a family member may have symptoms of the virus, current government advice can be found here. To protect yourself and others, do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital. Instead of ringing 111, please visit here. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

 

Vulnerable residents

Stockport Council has introduced a dedicated Coronavirus helpline for vulnerable people. The most vulnerable people in Stockport will be able to access support Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, on 0161 217 6046.

The helpline will provide advice and tell you how you can access support. You can call the helpline if do not have a network of family and friends you can call upon for support, particularly if:

  • you're over the age of 70 and you are self-isolating
  • you have received a letter from the NHS advising you are high risk and should stay at home
  • you're medically vulnerable according to the government criteria and should stay at home.

Letters have been sent out to the most vulnerable and this information is being given to supermarkets and other organisations to ensure those being shielded have access to support via deliveries or food parcels. If you believe you are vulnerable and have not been contacted, please visit here

Healthcare telephone appointments and online consultations are available. If you have an urgent health concern, or something that cannot wait, please reach out. Visit A&E for emergencies, or phone 111 or contact your GP for other concerns. 

During this time, looking after our mental health is important. Many of us are experiencing low feelings, anxiety and loneliness that is being exacerbated by the ongoing situation. However, there is lots of support out there:

  • You can contact Samaritans on 116 123
  • Mind Charity have lots of information and support here
  • NHS Every Mind Matters has a wealth of online resources here.
  • Stockport Council has lots of resources that can be found here.

If you are finding this time difficult, or have a friend or family member you are worried about, please reach out.

 

Testing

If you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to by the local council or hospital, please get a test. The NHS Covid telephone line is 119. Some people will be eligible for regular lateral flow tests, which can be ordered from the NHS or picked up in a local pharmacy.

Please do download the NHS Covid app

 

Business

The Chancellor has announced an extensive business support package which includes grants, loans, tax cuts, business rates suspension and payment of wages. The Job Retention Scheme (furloughing) has been extended until September 2021. 

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council are regularly updating their information here. Visit here to see what you or your business may be entitled to. An SK business recovery website can be found here

 

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