Health leaders urge residents in Lancashire and South Cumbria to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives this VE-Day May holiday

With another long weekend ahead, and the weather improving, residents are urged to stay at home to aid the fight against coronavirus to protect the NHS and save lives.

The May Bank Holiday this year has been moved to Friday 8 May to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, GP and Chief Officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System, said:

“Thank you to everyone who is following the national guidance to stay at home. Preventing the spread of coronavirus is our absolute priority and not staying at home could undermine the massive support that people have shown up until now. We have to maintain our determination and focus.

I would urge people to only go out if they need to shop for necessities such as food and medicine or for one form of exercise per day, either by themselves or with members of their household.”

Guidance is that people can also leave home if they have a medical appointment or if they have to travel for work if they are unable to work from home.

You should always maintain 2 metres social distancing from anyone who does not live in your household.

Anyone who thinks they have coronavirus symptoms - a high temperature or a new, continuous cough – who would like advice, should use the dedicated NHS 111 coronavirus service online. You should only call NHS 111 if you think your symptoms need a clinician assessment or if you can’t get help online.

Amanda added:

“For health concerns other than coronavirus, community pharmacy and GP practice services will be available on VE Day May Bank Holiday. Opening times may vary so please check their websites for details.

We’d like to remind people to follow official NHS guidance about Coronavirus/COVID-19 and not take advice from unofficial social media.”

There’s also a reminder that for any urgent medical help over the bank holidays, you can visit the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 24 hours a day.

NHS dental practices are providing urgent telephone advice and triage, including prescribing painkillers and antibiotics if needed. Patients should ring their practice first. If you don’t have a regular dentist, visit the NHS 111 online service or call NHS 111.