Council: still up to all of us to control virus spread

Swindon people are being urged to play their part in minimising the spread of covid-19 to help keep themselves and the community safe.

The borough council's ‘Swindon: It’s up to all of us’ campaign was launched last month and aims to engage the community and encourage everyone to play their part in keeping the town’s coronavirus rates down. 

So far, work has included leaflet drops, engagement with local businesses and community groups and social media campaigns.

The council has been working alongside partner agencies to encourage Swindonians to continue following Government advice to control the spread of the virus. 

In particular, this includes continuing hand-washing, wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces and social distancing from people not in their household.

Another key message of the campaign is reminding residents not to share vehicles with people not from their household. If there is no other option but to car-share, safety measures such as wearing face coverings, keeping the windows open and cleaning door handles should be in place for each journey.

The importance of people staying at home if they have symptoms, no matter how mild, is also being emphasised. 

The symptoms to look out for are a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss of - or change to - the sense of smell or taste. 

Anyone who is self-isolating should not leave their house for any reason, even to go to the shops or to work. Support is available for people who need it. 

Information about available help can be found at https://www.swindon.gov.uk/helpandsupport

Crucially, anyone who has symptoms must book a test immediately. Tests can be booked, either at a local testing centre or by ordering a home testing kit, by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website.

Swindon’s Director of Public Health, Steve Maddern, said: “It’s vitally important that everyone in Swindon continues to follow the guidance so that we can avoid local restrictions. 

"We are working closely with partner organisations to do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus, but it’s ultimately down to everyone in the town to play their part and help to keep the town safe.”

Regular updates are given on Swindon Borough Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.