AUGUST 12th
Cases of COVID-19 are rising again across the country and we need your help to prevent an outbreak or local lockdown happening in Buckinghamshire.
Let’s work together to stay safe and protect Bucks.
Book a test if you have any coronavirus symptoms
We do not want a local lockdown in Buckinghamshire. We want to stop the spread of the virus so that we can continue to live our lives and enjoy our freedom.
Follow our simple guidance:
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are very mild symptoms, book a test immediately and stay at home.
- Symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, new continuous cough, loss or change in your sense of taste or smell.
- Stay at home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 that started in the last 10 days, unless you have had a negative test result.
- Stay at home if you have been advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
- Stay at home if someone in your household has had any symptoms of coronavirus and has not had a negative test result. If they have not done so, they should get a test.
There are testing centres locally, or you can order a home test. The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a cotton bud. You can do the swab yourself, or someone can do it for you.
We must protect our community from this deadly virus. Many people have already died, and it is our responsibility to stop the virus from spreading and taking more lives.
Help control the virus and protect yourself and others
- Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
- Cover face – wear a face covering over your nose and mouth to protect yourself and others
- Make space – stay two metres apart from other people not in your household wherever possible
Please, if you have any of the symptoms; a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste, please book a test now. Call 119 or go online https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
From Wednesday May 13th the advice is:
STAY ALERT – CONTROL THE VIRUS – SAVE LIVES!
We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
Self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
SEE LATEST DETAILS HERE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Stay at home. Save Lives. Anyone can spread Coronavirus.
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
- If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Radnage Parish Council is constantly reviewing the advice received from the Government and updated legislation with information as to how we proceed over the coming weeks and months.
Currently, the regular monthly meetings of the Parish Council will be held remotely via video or audio until further notice. The Annual Meetings in May have also been postponed and new information will be provided as it becomes available.
The Radnage Village Hall – In line with current advice, THE VILLAGE HALL and PLAYGROUND is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. For further information, please contact the Bookings Clerk – 01494 485705 or the Village Hall Manager – 01494 483675
Thank you for your co-operation
- BURIAL GROUND CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC 26th MARCH
- PLAYGROUND CLOSED 26th MARCH
- 2020 ELECTIONS – POSTPONED MAY 2021
- CONTACT MAGAZINE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Planning applications received will still need to be considered by the Parish Council as the Wycombe District Council Planning Dept continues to deliver the best service possible in these exceptional times and will prioritise decision making to ensure that the system continues to function. As face-to-face meetings are not currently possible with our residents we encourage you to contact us with any comments that you may have, or make your views known on any planning cases via PublicAccess.
Visit: http://publicaccess.wycombe.gov.uk You can view, comment and track planning applications, perform advanced searches, read comments, track progress, view historic applications, view information and progress on appeals, view enforcement complaints and building control applications, and search applications that are received each week.
Applications currently under consideration will be posted here:
Applications considered to April 8th were as follows:
- Case Ref: 20/05419/CLP – Boundary Farm Sprigs Holly Lane – Certificate of lawfulness for proposed creation of ‘twin trod’ track with gate and fence.
- Case Ref: 20/05498/FUL – Boundary Farm Sprigs Holly Lane – Householder application for external alterations to create ancillary accommodation to main dwelling (retrospective) (alternative scheme to 10/05708/FUL)
- Case Ref: 20/05278/FUL – OS Parcel 8524, Bottom Road – Application for erection of a wooden stable block with tack/feed/tool room.
- Case Ref: 20/05592/LBC – 1 Green End Cottages, Green End Road – Listed building application to replace existing timber window frames at front and side with similar traditional flush style timber window frames with slimline double glazing and erection of porch to front.
- Case Ref: 20/05787/FUL – Four Acres, Green End Road – Householder application for construction of front roof dormer window and detached carport/store.
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As we find ourselves in unprecedented times which is concerning for us all if you need help or advice please do not hesitate to contact: Lin Freeth, Clerk to Radnage Parish Council, via: parish.clerk@radnage.net or 01494 485017 and I will try to help.
At this worrying time please be aware of your friends and neighbours who may need help and support and remember a phone call or email can make all the difference to someone who is feeling worried and concerned.
Update on the Coronavirus outbreak from Buckinghamshire Councils – a letter from Shadow Executive Leader Martin Tett
| I would like to update you on what we are doing across the councils in Buckinghamshire in response to Coronavirus, what you can do to protect yourself and others, and how you can become involved in supporting your community. Firstly, my thoughts are with all people in Buckinghamshire who have been negatively impacted in any way by this crisis. These are difficult and very challenging times. This makes it even more important that we come together to support each other. We’re already seeing so much fantastic work going on across the county. The current situation will no doubt test and stretch our ability, but the council is committed to providing community leadership and support wherever possible. |
| What are we doing? The Coronavirus outbreak is of deep concern to everyone in Buckinghamshire. We are working together, across all the councils in Buckinghamshire, with Public Health England and the Department for Health and Social Care to tackle the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak to support our residents, communities, businesses and schools during this difficult time. We are closely following government guidance to provide accurate and up to date information. We are well-prepared for these situations and have robust plans in place to focus on keeping essential services running to look after our elderly, the most vulnerable, children, and safeguard local communities. As the impact of Coronavirus increases, we may need to make some temporary changes to some services. This is so we can protect people from infection and use our staff and resources where they are most needed. It is important that we communicate any changes to residents and ongoing engagement with communities will be a priority. Information about any service changes will be released to the press and published on our website www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk. We know that some of you will still want to get in touch face to face so, for now, we are keeping our main libraries and council offices open to answer your questions and provide advice. You can see which libraries are open at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries We are also keeping our country parks open with no parking charges so you can get out for some fresh air and stay healthy. |
| How can you help? It’s crucial at times like this that everyone pulls together. In Bucks we are proud of our local communities and the voluntary and community work they do. I am truly humbled by the number of people and organisations coming forward and volunteering to help others in their towns and villages. We know people, particularly if they are in isolation, are going to need support with practical things like getting medicines, doing grocery shopping, or caring for beloved pets, as well as dealing with the mental effects. The voluntary and community sectors will have a key role to play in supporting people. If you are healthy and oking at ways you can help, take a look at our central community hub. This can be found on our new website at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus We are also looking for people with skills. Visit our website and complete the ‘I want to be involved’ form at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus If you are a vulnerable or older person who is self-isolating, or know of someone who needs help get in touch with us; visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus |
| What you can do to protect yourself and others It’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect ourselves, our families and others around us. 1. Try to stay calm – be prepared and plan for the self-isolation of yourself or others but avoid panic buying so that others are not faced with empty shelves. Supermarkets inform us that there are no shortages. I have written today to all the major supermarket companies in Bucks asking them to offer priority personal and online shopping to the elderly and key vulnerable groups. 2. Stay healthy – there are lots of ways to stay healthy. Get outside and go for a walk in one on our country parks or visit National Trust parks for free but do maintain a safe distance from other people. 3. Be alert to the symptoms and follow the government guidance – maintain good hygiene, reduce non-essential contact and 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 It is particularly important for people who are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant to follow this advice as much as possible. Find out more here: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus. |
| Support our NHS If you are worried about your symptoms it is important that you do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. This could spread the infection and put our doctors and health services at risk. Go to https://111.nhs.uk/ or if you cannot go online call 111. This is so we can keep phone lines free for those who need it most. The government have also advised that testing for Coronavirus is not needed if you are staying at home. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you are staying at home, but if you are concerned about your symptoms and need urgent medical help call 999. |
| Keep up to date Advice is changing all the time. There is a lot of information being shared about Coronavirus. There is a lot of misleading or even ‘fake news’, particularly online. Make sure the information you are following is from a trusted source – the government, NHS or Public Health England. For local information follow our social media via the twitter handle @BucksCouncil and keep an eye on our webpage www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus We are also writing to our vulnerable and older people who use our services to make sure they have the information they need to stay safe and well. |
| Supporting Bucks businesses I am aware that Buckinghamshire is a county of many businesses from the very large to the very small. These are very difficult times for companies and the many people who work for them. We are channelling support through the local Buckinghamshire business ‘hub’,Bucks Business First (BBF), as details are confirmed. If you are a company who wants advice on current local or government support, such as that announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, find out more via BBF at www.bbf.uk.com/covid-19. |
| The new Buckinghamshire Council The government’s postponement of local elections until May 2021 will not stop the launch of the new Buckinghamshire Council. All five existing councils will be replaced by the one, new Buckinghamshire Council on 1 April. Plans for this are well advanced and we are already working together as one team to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak. Lastly, I am also immensely proud of the dedication of all the staff in our local councils, NHS, social care, police and other key services who are continuing to work tirelessly to keep people safe and secure. I would like to pass on my thanks for everyone’s work in these unprecedented times. Martin Tett Leader of the Shadow Executive |
Update: 09 March 2020
Public Health EnglandBuckinghamshire County Council statement on confirmed COVID-19 case in Buckinghamshire
Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are working with Buckinghamshire County Council and NHS colleagues following a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county.
The case had recently travelled to Italy. Alison Barnett, Centre Director for Public Health England South East, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the latest confirmed case of COVID-19. This case is a resident of Buckinghamshire. Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”
Buckinghamshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Jane O’Grady, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Buckinghamshire are protected.
“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed cases you do not need to take any action at this time.”
Health and local authorities are appealing for people to follow national Government guidance to prevent further spread of the illness and limit the numbers affected.
This guidance includes taking basic hygiene precautions as the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.
Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms.
Dr O’Grady added: “These are the same simple steps we all should be taking to avoid other illnesses such as flu which is also prevalent during the winter and it is important that residents help protect themselves and others.
“If you have recently travelled to an affected area or been in contact with someone who has, and you think you have symptoms associated with the coronavirus, you should not go to A&E or your doctor but self-isolate yourself at home and ring NHS 111 which has an online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.”
The symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath
Self-isolation means you should:
• stay at home
• not go to work, school or public places
• not use public transport or taxis
• ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you
• try to avoid visitors to your home – it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food
You may need to do this for up to 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection. For more information on the symptoms and steps to take, go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
For the latest advice on travellers returning from affected areas, plus guidance to schools and care homes, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
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Update from Buckinghamshire County Council: 06 March 2020
Health and local authorities are appealing for people to follow national Government guidance to prevent further spread of the illness and limit the numbers affected.
This guidance includes taking basic hygiene precautions as the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.
Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms.
Dr O’Grady added: “These are the same simple steps we all should be taking to avoid other illnesses such as flu which is also prevalent during the winter and it is important that residents help protect themselves and others.
“If you have recently travelled to an affected area or been in contact with someone who has, and you think you have symptoms associated with the coronavirus, you should not go to A&E or your doctor but self-isolate yourself at home and ring NHS 111 which has an online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.”
The symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath
Self-isolation means you should:
• stay at home
• not go to work, school or public places
• not use public transport or taxis
• ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you
• try to avoid visitors to your home – it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food
You may need to do this for up to 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection. For more information on the symptoms and steps to take, go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
For the latest advice on travellers returning from affected areas, plus guidance to schools and care homes, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
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Update from Buckinghamshire County Council: 05 March 2020
Buckinghamshire County Council is working closely with the NHS and Public Health England (PHE) in order to be prepared to deal with the new Coronavirus COVID-19.
Buckinghamshire County Council and the NHS have put in place measures to ensure the availability of services to local people and protect staff.
Further communications will be issued when appropriate.
- Handwashing – The most important thing that everyone can do as an individual is to follow NHS advice on handwashing. This means washing your hands more frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This video shows the best way to wash your hands.
- NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
- you think you might have coronavirus;
- in the last 14 days you’ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus;
- you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Contact 111 if you need to speak to someone.
- Travel risk – The latest information about Coronovirus symptoms and areas of travel risk can be found on nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
- General advice – Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with an infected person via cough, sneeze or hand contact. You can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces if you do not wash your hands afterwards.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Health and local authorities are appealing for people to follow national Government guidance to prevent further spread of the illness and limit the numbers affected.
This guidance includes taking basic hygiene precautions as the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.
Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms.
Dr O’Grady added: “These are the same simple steps we all should be taking to avoid other illnesses such as flu which is also prevalent during the winter and it is important that residents help protect themselves and others.
“If you have recently travelled to an affected area or been in contact with someone who has, and you think you have symptoms associated with the coronavirus, you should not go to A&E or your doctor but self-isolate yourself at home and ring NHS 111 which has an online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.”
The symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath
Self-isolation means you should:
• stay at home
• not go to work, school or public places
• not use public transport or taxis
• ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you
• try to avoid visitors to your home – it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food
You may need to do this for up to 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection. For more information on the symptoms and steps to take, go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
For the latest advice on travellers returning from affected areas, plus guidance to schools and care homes, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
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Coronavirus (Covid-19)Government Guidelines
As I am sure you will be aware, the government has today issued its action plan with details of the actions that it may carry out to prevent and mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
The advice for anyone in any setting is to follow these 3 main guidelines. Additionally, clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces using your regular cleaning products.
If you have been in contact with someone with coronavirus or have returned from an affected area identified by the Chief Medical Officer as high risk and you are feeling unwell with a cough, difficulty breathing or fever, stay at home and use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111.
Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas where other people are doing so. Use hand sanitiser if that’s all you have access to.
To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue away immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitising gel.
Further guidance for businesses can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
and at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
Guidance has also come from the NHS:
Wash your hands to stop the spread of infections
Are your hands clean enough?
It’s the time of year when more infection bugs and viruses circulate, and keeping our hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Dr Dal Sahota, local GP and Emergency Care lead for NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group advises:
“Washing your hands properly with soap and clean running water removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, leading to illnesses such as food poisoning, flu, colds or tummy upsets.
“Children are never too young to be taught how to wash their hands carefully, so make it part of their daily routine.
“The NHS recommends washing your hands for around 20 seconds – or the length of time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice. Get your technique right by watching the NHS handwashing video: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
“It’s also a good idea to avoid touching your face or mouth with your hands especially when you have a tummy upset or cold.
“It’s also a good idea to avoid touching your face or mouth with your hands especially when you have a tummy upset or cold.
“No one wants to spread nasty infections to loved ones. This is especially important for those at particular risk, such as: pregnant women; elderly relatives; babies or anyone with an existing health condition such as diabetes or cancer.”
Follow these simple rules every day even if you don’t have any sign of a cold or other infection, and make sure you wash your hands:
- after using the toilet or changing a nappy
- before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables
- before eating or handling food
- after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
- before and after treating a cut or wound
- after touching, feeding or cleaning animals
- after manual work such as DIY or gardening
- when you come in from work, shopping or travelling
Caroline Capell, Director of Urgent and Emergency Care for Buckinghamshire Integrated Care Partnership which brings together local health and social care services said:
“If you sneeze or cough, make sure to catch it in a paper tissue, then immediately dispose of the tissue in a bin, and wash your hands. It’s the best way to deal with germs for any cold, cough or flu-type virus or other common infection like a tummy bug. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm rather than into your hands to help stop the spread of illness.
“When travelling, if you don’t have immediate access to hot water and soap, use hand sanitiser instead. It’s useful to carry some with you when you are out and about.
“But if you are concerned about being unwell why not check your symptoms on the free app – Ask NHS, or contact 111 by phone or online www.111.nhs.uk – it’s the quickest way to get the right health advice or the appointment you need with the local NHS.”
