THURROCK Nub News is once again sharing the Government's latest guidance on the coronavirus pandemic.

With the number of confirmed cases in the borough now at six and the national number now topping 4,000 it is important to keep reminding people of the 'does and don'ts'.

Our simple-to-understand guide below includes advice on social distancing, avoiding catching coronavirus, looking after your mental well-being and what to do if you - or someone in your household - has coronavirus symptoms.

In addition Thurrock Nub News is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest local advice and information - and supporting local businesses and organisations via our Local listings directory which is regularly being updated.

Thurrock Nub News is the go-to for everything you need to know about how coronavirus is impacting services, businesses but above all the people and communities in Thurrock and beyond.

As well as the local angle on the national news, you'll also find community-specific information including:

ï¬ Which key businesses and organisations are open...and which are closed;

ï¬ Public transport updates;

ï¬ Where to go for help;

ï¬ Volunteer support groups – and how to join;

ï¬ The latest local authority advice and changes to services;

ï¬ Where to exercise safely – observing the two-metre social distancing guidance;

ï¬ And, finally, guidance on how best to combat the virus.

We will be updating this content when we receive new local information or the national situation changes.

To help us keep the information up to date, you also have a key part to play by letting us know what's happening in the town or surrounding villages so we can share with other readers.

Contact Thurrock Nub News on email [email protected] or call 07885 313435 or look out on twitter @thurrocknubnews.

The latest health guidance

Social distancing will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

Everyone - including children - is strongly advised to significantly limit face-to-face interaction with friends and family.

If possible:

· Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus which include high temperature and/or a new and continuous cough

· Avoid non-essential use of public transport

· Work from home - your employer should support you to do this

· Avoid gatherings in public spaces - pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut

· Avoid gatherings with friends and family - keep in touch by phone, internet, and social media

· Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Avoiding all unnecessary social contact is particularly important if you:

· are over 70

· have an underlying health condition

· are pregnant

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

Do:

· wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

· always wash your hands when you get home or into work and before you prepare food and eat

· use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

· cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

· put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

· avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don't:

· touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Isolate the household if anyone has coronavirus symptoms

The entire household must stay at home for 14 days if anyone has either:

· a high temperature

· a new, continuous cough

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online service if:

· you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

· your condition gets worse

· your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Advice during self-isolation at home

If anyone has coronavirus symptoms the entire household must remain at home.

The family member with suspected coronavirus MUST:

· separate themselves from other people in the home and keep the door closed

· if they have to share a space, stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people and open a window

· sleep alone

· clean shared surfaces - such as in the bathroom and kitchen - every time they use them

· Double bag personal waste - such as tissues - in disposable rubbish bags and tie securely. Wait 72 hours before putting in the household waste collection bin

The entire household MUST NOT:

· go to work, school, public areas or use public transport or taxis

· share their toothbrush, eating and drinking utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, washcloths or bed linen

· invite or allow visitors into the house - use the phone or social media

Looking after your mental wellbeing

Social distancing can be boring or frustrating and may affect your mood, making it easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour - which can make you feel worse.

To help stay mentally and physically active:

· look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website

· spend time doing things you enjoy - reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies, listening to the radio or watching TV

· try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs

· keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight and get outside into the garden

You can go for a walk or exercise outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from other people.

Treatment for coronavirus

There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.

Drink water to keep yourself hydrated and use over-the-counter medications to help with some of your symptoms.