Derbyshire County Council launch 'microsite' for coronavirus updates

Updated at 2pm each day, the site will feature advice from the Government and Public Health England on how people can play their part in containing the outbreak as well as information on the latest confirmed Derbyshire cases at district level.

Dean Wallace, the county council’s director of public health, is encouraging people to visit the new microsite on the county council’s website to check for updates.

He said: “Each and every one of us has a key role to play in the management of coronavirus and it is important that we provide people with the right information, particularly as we prepare for measures that could have more impact on our daily lives.

“The best prevention measure is by practising good hand hygiene and making sure you use a tissue if you sneeze, bin it then wash your hands afterwards to kill the virus.

“By doing this, you can help protect yourself as well as your family and friends.”

There are currently four confirmed cases of coronavirus in Derbyshire, all having picked up the infection from abroad.

The risk to the general public of coronavirus remains low and the county council say they are working with the NHS, government, district and borough councils as well as Public Health England to ensure the people of Derbyshire are protected and kept well informed.

“There’s lots of rumours and misinformation doing the rounds,” added Mr Wallace.

“Public services have a great deal of experience and expertise in dealing with illness outbreaks and are well prepared to manage a widespread infection such as the coronavirus.

“We can all play our part and that’s why we’ve taken the decision to publish the number of cases for Derbyshire at a district level which will help keep local people informed.”For the latest information and advice on coronavirus go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

The pages will be updated at 2pm each day.