Message from Gareth Johnson MP - Special Bulletin
Darenth Parish Council
Coronavirus - Covid-19
During the Coronavirus crisis, my regular bulletins will be suspended and I will instead be providing you with updates on the situation as and when I have more significant information to share. This is a fast-moving situation where the advice could change quickly.
This crisis will continue for many months to come and will be this generation's greatest challenge. Older people and those with serious health conditions are the most vulnerable and the protection of these people will need to be our priority.
My office has been able to assist Dartfordians caught up in the outbreak abroad and on many other issues that have been raised in relation to it.
My office will remain functioning throughout this crisis and will aim to respond to any queries you have. Although we may not have all the answers now, we will do our best to help you. On occasions, you may need to leave a message on an answerphone but if that happens, someone will call you back as soon as possible. We will prioritise urgent issues affecting the most vulnerable people during this time.
If you have an issue with any government services then please get in touch.
If you have: a new continuous cough OR a high temperature (37.8 degrees or higher), you should stay at home for seven days.
Advice from Age UK
The link below has information from Age UK about the symptoms of coronavirus and the steps to take to stop it spreading.
In addition, if you have concerns about anything else, including welfare, care or housing, you can contact Age UK’s free advice line, 8am-7pm, 365 days a year: 0800 055 6112
Age UK Charity Director has made the following statement on the virus:
"The official advice at the moment shows that if people are feeling well, showing no signs of symptoms, and have no reason to think they have been in contact with the virus, then they can carry on with their usual activities. But it's important for everyone to be completely vigilant about following the government's advice on thorough hand washing, catching coughs and sneezes, and disposing of tissues.
"Some older people, or those with underlying health conditions, have already or may decide to reduce their social contact. We should respect people's decisions and think about practical ways to support them, like picking up some shopping or help by running some errands. If it's safe to do so you can pop in, but you can also stay in touch over the phone, online or by post. It's also worth thinking about sensible steps that may need to be taken if the situation progresses.
"As this is an evolving situation and the advice may well change, it's important to keep up to date with reliable sources of information such as the NHS website or NHS111."
Contact Information
Parish Clerk
Find Darenth Parish Council
Darenth Hall, Ladywood Road, Darenth, Dartford, Kent