Congleton Town Council is urging people across the town to look out for each other as the Coronavirus epidemic takes hold.

At a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Group of Congleton Town Council last week a number of measures were proposed that will help protect people and reduce the spread of coronavirus as much as possible.

Congleton Mayor, Cllr Sally Ann Holland, commented: "Now is the time for Congleton to show that we are indeed 'the little town with the big heart'.

"I'm sure that people will step up and offer support to each other, whilst keeping themselves and their families safe."

The campaign, called Beartown Cares, recommends the following measures:

Everyone should follow the NHS and Government advice to avoid spread of the virus.

This is: IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS

Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms – for 7 days.

Stay at home if you have either: a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back, a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly.

People living with you should stay at home for 14 days after you develop symptoms.

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.

Testing for Coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.

TO AVOID SPREADING THE VIRUS, 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.

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 have symptoms of coronavirus.

Only travel on public transport if you need to.

Work from home, if you can.

Avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.

Avoid events with large groups of people.

Use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services.

DON'T:

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

Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family.

This advice may change over time.

Look out for your neighbours, where it is safe to do so.

If you are not in a 'high-risk' group (you have no underlying health condition and you are under 70), you might like to support your neighbours.

You could use the card, which you can find by clicking on the arrows on the first image in this story, as follows:

Cut out and copy the card.

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Complete the card with your details as you wish and, wearing gloves, put it through the doors of people who may need help.

If you RECEIVE a card through your door, copy the details down from it if you want them, wash your hands and dispose of the card.

If you're "self-isolating" to avoid virus spread or because you have symptoms, look after your wellbeing, especially your mental health.

Ensure you have a plan to look after your health if you are spending time alone. Talk to family and friends by phone or videocall, keep busy with hobbies and pastimes.

If you need support, please check the town councils mental health page.

You could also contact one of the following for support:

The Samaritans 116 123

Silverline (support for older people) 0800 4 70 80 90

Age UK Cheshire East 01625 612958

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub 0300 123 5101 (or at www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk)

Cllr Kay Wesley, Chair of the Community and Environment Committee, said: "Congleton has an amazing community of volunteers who give their time to work tirelessly for the good of our town and especially for vulnerable people.

"Unfortunately, many of those very volunteers are themselves in the group more at risk from COVID-19 because they are over 70.

"Therefore, we need other people to consider stepping up and supporting their friends and neighbours at this challenging time. "

There will be a need for all sorts of people to step up and help.

If you can help, please contact Congleton Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Support on Facebook.

If you are worried about financial challenges during this time the government has announced measures to support workers and businesses which you can find here.