THE HERALD is calling on agencies, charities and other community organisations offering support to those affected by the coronavirus outbreak to submit their details to a ’Helping Hand’ register.
On Monday, the Herald launched its ’Helping Hand’ campaign; seeking to keep those self-isolating connected with the community, and to promote agencies offering door-to-door support.
In coming weeks and months, the Herald will be actively supporting community groups both new and pre-existing, offering support to anyone quarantining themselves over the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ahead of this week’s print deadline at midday on Wednesday, we are calling on any organisation willing to offer support to those in quarantine to get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call 01252 899221, including details of what support is offered, and how people can access it.
We are also in discussion with various partners to ensure copies of the Herald – complete with the latest information, advice and contacts, as well as the usual mix of local news – are distributed direct to doorsteps.
This week’s paper, on sale Thursday, will also carry a form for readers to cut out, fill in with their details and post through vulnerable neighbours’ doors, offering a ’helping hand’.
We are also appealing for readers to get in touch with any stories of kindness and good neighbourly acts, and for agencies wishing to publicise their support, to again email [email protected] or call 01252 899221.
It comes after a number of community groups were set up via Facebook to support those showing symptoms and quarantining themselves, particularly the elderly and more vulnerable.
The Herald is aware of at least three such groups; the Farnham and Villages Coronavirus Support Group; the Farnham Response Group, and Alton Coronavirus Support, all of which can be found by searching Facebook.
Keith Roberts, founder of one of the Farnham Response Group, outlined the concept for the Herald: "The idea is that there are a list of people who would be happy to go out and deliver supplies etc to anyone in isolation. It’s a great show of community spirit."
A total of 55 people have now tested positive for the virus in Hampshire as of 9am on March 16, a one-day increase of two, retaining its unwelcome tag as the most affected county in England.
In neighbouring Surrey, 25 people have now tested positive – also two more than a day earlier.
Nationwide, 1,543 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK – with an additional 152 contracting COVID-19 on Sunday. However, the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000.
To-date, 55 deaths in the UK have been linked to the virus, while 52 patients have already made a full recovery after contracting the virus.
It comes after Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced on Tuesday that everyone in the UK should avoid "non-essential" travel and contact with others to curb coronavirus.
The PM said people should work from home where possible as part of a range of stringent new measures – adding pregnant women, people over the age of 70 and those with certain health conditions should consider the advice "particularly important".
People in at-risk groups will be asked within days to stay home for 12 weeks.
The Herald had been compiling a list of cancellations to social events, arts and sporting fixtures across Surrey and Hampshire, but it has become clear following the PM’s announcement that all such events have been called off.
Where events have been postponed or rescheduled, such as Farnham Beerex which has been pushed back to August, the latest information will be published in the Herald.
Police and crime commissioner (PCC) elections in Surrey and Hampshire have also been postponed for one year to May 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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