Statement from Ben Lake MP:
"I know that many residents are deeply concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, and are increasingly anxious for clarity on how best to react, and what actions to take.
The coming months will be difficult for us all, and this crisis is likely to place public services and society alike under acute strain. It must be stressed that following the expert advice of official bodies such as Public Health Wales and the NHS will be crucial as the situation unfolds.
At present, the official advice is clear: if you have developed either a high temperature or a new continuous cough you should stay at home and self-isolate for 7 days. This action will help protect others. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, but contact NHS 111 if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse, or if your symptoms do not get better after 7 days. For now, if you are feeling well, showing no signs of symptoms, and have no reason to think that you have been in contact with the virus, then you can carry on with your usual routine.
However, we all have a role to play in combating this virus, and so make sure to wash your hands on a regular basis, for at least 20 seconds. Use soap and water when you get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food. This will help protect yourself and others.
Everyone needs to be completely vigilant about following the official advice. Our health service is staffed by individuals whose expertise at saving lives and commitment to looking after us is second to none.
As the situation develops, it is very likely that they will come under incredible pressure, and as such, it is important to stress that we can all help support their efforts by only seeking, and abiding by, the advice provided by the health authorities, and avoid sharing inaccurate information on social media.
"I will do my best to keep you updated on this platform on any new information or official advice, but the following websites are also worth keeping an eye on:
- Latest information from Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/…/latest-information-on-novel-corona…/
- NHS Direct Wales Coronavirus COVID-19 Symptom Checker: https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/SelfAs…/symptomcheckers/…
- Public Health Wales advice on self-isolating: https://phw.nhs.wales/…/latest-infor…/self-isolation-advice/
I would like to thank our committed NHS staff for all that they do on our behalf, and again request that we all do our bit to support their efforts to tackle this outbreak by staying up to date with official sources of advice, following the correct hygiene practices, and showing compassion for each other – especially the more vulnerable amongst us.
I will remain in contact with the local authorities and Hywel Dda Health Board as they coordinate the response to the pandemic locally, and will be briefed by Health Ministers in London on the UK Government’s next steps later on today.
If anyone wants to contact me to raise a specific issue on their behalf, please send me an email on [email protected] or call me at the Lampeter office on 01570 940 333. Due to the unprecedented volume of messages that I am receiving on social media, for the time being it is better to contact me via email or phone if you have an urgent issue to raise.
We will all have to face the challenges of COVID-19 in some way, so as well as taking good care of yourselves and loved ones, please also think of others, consider your actions, and be kind."