Coronavirus: Latest Local Updates

There were queues outside Market Harborough supermarkets this morning, as the major chains look to stamp down on panic-buying amid the Coronavirus crisis.

The government is stressing their is no risk of a food shortage during the pandemic.

At Sainsbury’s the first hour of trading was limited to people aged over 70 or with a disability – and the move proved popular with a long queues outside the Springfield Street store before the doors opened at 7.30am.

Sainsbury’s, together with others, has also brought in measures to limit quantities of certain items people can buy.

A Market Harborough charity is working hard to bring together everyone offering help and support during the Coronavirus.

VASL wants to be able to provide residents – particularly the elderly and vulnerable – with reliable information.

It’s meeting with local Churches and Councils to pull it all together.

Charity Manager Maureen O’Malley says its vital people don’t fall victim to anyone taking advantage of the crisis:

The charity is urging anyone feeling lonely or isolated, or who is in need of support to call them on 01858 433232.

The Local Resilience Forum for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is meeting regularly and says well-rehearsed plans are in place to deal with the pandemic.

It’s made of local councils, including Harborough, emergency services and the NHS.

Leicestershire County Council says plans are in place to ensure vital services can continue to operate as the outbreak gets worse.

Leader Nick Rushton has released this statement:

Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire County Council, said: “It’s important everyone understands how they can help to stop the spread of coronavirus and follows the Government’s advice. This means reducing the contact you have with people by working from home if you can, avoiding taking public transport and visiting social venues and minimising face-to-face contact with friends and family.

“This is an unsettling time and I want to reassure residents that councils, emergency services, the NHS and other partners are working together closely to ensure services continue to run, communities and businesses are supported and lives are saved.”

Leicestershire Chief Constable Simon Cole, the Chair of the LRF Executive, said: “We are all working very closely to make sure our response is joined up and we are keeping everyone across the city and two counties as safe as we can with the most up-to-date information.

“This is an unprecedented time for everyone, and we would ask that you help us – and yourself – by following all the advice from Public Health England.

“Staff and volunteers from all of the partnership agencies will be out in your communities helping keep you safe – do what you can to help keep them safe too.”

Andy Williams, Joint Chief Executive of the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in LLR said: “This is an unprecedented challenge to public health and health services.  It is essential that people follow the simple advice on handwashing for example, and is aware of the symptoms and signs of coronavirus and takes appropriate action.  Please make sure you are using the official information provided by the Government.

“You should stay at home if you have either a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back or a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly

“Minimising social contact is something we all need to do to protect ourselves and help delay the spread of coronavirus.”

“Remember, the situation is changing rapidly so please do keep up to date with the latest information.”

Latest information on Coronavirus HERE