#WiltshireTogether Champions and Wiltshire Police join forces to share COVID Care Packs

They will be giving out the packs in town centres across Wiltshire to remind everyone to stay safe during the pandemic. They will also be able to help ensure people are aware of the current national restrictions and the changes coming in from 2 December, due to Wiltshire being confirmed to be in the Tier 2 category.

The packs contain hand sanitiser, a face mask and information about the social distancing measures people should be following. The packs will be available for all ages but there will be a particular focus on those aged 15 years to 34 years where Wiltshire has seen much of the increase in COVID cases recently.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council said; "It is important we all play our part in staying safe, particularly as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Wiltshire and that we'll be in the Tier 2 level from 2 December.

"I want to thank our #WiltshireTogether Champions and Wiltshire Police for their efforts as they will be handing out these COVID Care Packs to people across Wiltshire to encourage them to follow the hands, face, space social distancing measures.

"These packs will be for all ages but we will be particularly handing out to those aged between 15 and 34 years where we have seen much of the increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks."

Superintendent Dave Minty, from Wiltshire Police, said: "We know there are very simple steps that we can all take to keep ourselves, and other people, safe.

"These include sanitising your hands, wearing a face covering and keeping your distance from others, and I hope these COVID Care Packs will help remind people of the importance of this.

"Thank you to everyone for their ongoing support throughout this pandemic, and let's ensure we are doing everything we can to stay safe this winter."

The COVID Care Packs joint initiative is funded from the COVID compliance money from central government.

The #WiltshireTogether Champions have already been having an impact across Wiltshire since the scheme was launched earlier this month. #WiltshireTogether Champions is a network of people who can get the latest COVID-19 information out across Wiltshire and help the council share accurate and factual guidance and advice. Providing the advice and guidance will help counter misleading and inaccurate information being spread through social media and word of mouth.

We are looking for people to sign up to become a #WiltshireTogether Champion to help keep their friends, families and communities safe.

Anyone that is interested in signing up to become a #WiltshireTogether Champion can email their details to communitychampions@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)

People are reminded of the three key things people need to keep doing in order to protect each other:

• Wash your hands - keep washing hands regularly for 20 seconds
• Cover your face - wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in enclosed spaces
• Make space -stay at least 2 metres away from people not in their household.

If you have the following COVID-19 symptoms, you need to get tested as soon as possible:

• High temperature
• New, continuous cough
• Loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

If you are getting a test because you have symptoms, you and anyone you live with must stay at home (self-isolate) until you get your result. Anyone in your support bubble must also self-isolate until you get your result.

For more information on symptoms and how to book a test visit NHS: Coronavirus (COVID-19) (opens new window).