Staffordshire's most at risk urged to heed Government's advice on coronavirus

Residents in Staffordshire at the highest risk from the coronavirus are being urged to act now to protect themselves and help ease the mounting pressure on the NHS.

Philip Atkins, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:

Tackling the coronavirus is the biggest challenge of our generation and we all must do everything we can to protect ourselves, our families and ease the pressure on the NHS.

If you do fall into this extremely vulnerable group you will be contacted and the advice couldn’t be clearer: You should stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for a period of at least 12 weeks from the day you receive your letter.

So our message today is to please act on this advice. We appreciate people are worried about self-isolating and that 12 weeks may seem like a long time, but this really is the best action for you, your loved ones and your community.

Make arrangements now for family or friends to pick up food and medicines for you to drop off outside. Don’t worry if you live alone and have no support network as the Government and the county council are putting plans in place to ensure you get the support your need.”

Those classed as extremely vulnerable will be contacted this week. These include people who have had transplants, people with specific cancers and people with severe respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). A full list of conditions and advice can be found here

Philip added:

With more and more people likely to be told to stay at home in the coming days it is more important that those who can step up to help the county and the country get through this.

Over the coming days and weeks we will be mobilising an army of staff and volunteers to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities continue to get the care they need and the everything in our power is done to ease the crippling pressure on the NHS.”