'Help protect us so we can protect you' say public and emergency and services in Leicestershire

Civic and 999 chiefs are making a simple plea to people across Harborough – help protect us so we can protect you.

The Local Resilience Forum (LRF) for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has issued the crystal-clear message as the UK unites to fight the coronavirus.

An LRF spokeswoman said: “With coronavirus now impacting on almost every area of life, it’s more important than ever that we are looking out for each other and the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The LRF is a multi-agency partnership made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS and others.

“They are working together to implement the well-rehearsed plans already in place to deal with a pandemic.

“The challenge of COVID-19 is extreme.

“There is no vaccination, and it is a worldwide pandemic crisis, and our responders across all agencies are not immune.

“With our plans in place, it’s key that you help us keep you safe too,” said the spokeswoman.

A multi-agency Strategic Coordinating Group, chaired by the Director of Public Health, Mike Sandys of Leicestershire County Council, is meeting regularly.

The special unit brings together at a senior level seeking to coordinate the complex response across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Mr 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.”

He added: “This is an unsettling time.

“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 Police Chief Constable Simon Cole, chair of the LRF Executive, said: “We are all working very closely to make sure our response is joined up.

“We are keeping everyone across the city and two counties as safe as we can with the most up-to-date information.”

Mr Cole added: “This is an unprecedented time for everyone.

“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 regional Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “This is an unprecedented challenge to public health and health services.

“It is essential people follow the simple advice on handwashing 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.”

He stressed: “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.

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

More information about the LRF can be found on their website: https://www.llrprepared.org.ukDetailed public information is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19You can also visit NHS111 online https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19