DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL’s director of public health has assured people living in the region that there is a clear planning framework in place to deal with the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Amanda Healy, who is also chair of the Association of Directors of Public Health across the North-East, said: “At the moment, we’re doing a lot of work right across the North-East and with our colleagues at Public Health England, to understand coronavirus, how it’s transmitted; and how people can protect themselves against it.

“We’re also working with our partners on our planning arrangements in preparation for any increase in the number of people with the coronavirus.

“Across the region, we have got a really clear planning framework in place, working with colleagues in the NHS, colleagues in the local authority and local resilience forums, to ensure that we are getting the government guidance out to people about how they can protect themselves.”

She added: “We do have a small number of cases here in the North-East, so we’re also working to contain those cases, following up on them through contact tracing and supporting people who are affected to make sure they have the right information and advice.

“The first thing for members of the public is to remember is that the risk is still low. However, simple and good hygiene is really important in order to prevent the spread and transmission of coronavirus so that’s washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and trying not to touch your face.

“There’s also the simple message around Catch It, Bin It, Kill It. If you’ve got a cough or a sneeze, ensure you catch it in a tissue and put it in the bin.

“If somebody does think that they have coronavirus, the first thing to do is not to go to the GP or go up to A&E but to call 111 or use the new online checker, which takes you through a series of questions and advises whether you need to be seen within the NHS or not.”