THE Diocese of Exeter has decided to cancel the Gift of Years event in Crediton on March 20 as it feels it would be irresponsible to bring together a high risk group of people (the event was for those over 60) in the light of Covid-19.

The Government today, Friday, announced the postponement of local elections due to have taken place in May by one year.

Yeofest 2020, which was due to take place at Yeoford has been postponed but no future date announced.

Thelbridge PCC has cancelled its charity bingo which was due to take place on March 18 at Thelbridge.

Sandford Parish Hall Bingo next Friday, March 20 has been cancelled.

The Ladies Pamper night at Hayward’s Primary School, tonight, March 13, has been cancelled.

Crediton AFC “Best of British” disco which was due to be held on March 28 has been postponed too later in the year.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Easter Bingo on April 3 has been cancelled.

Many clinics and surgeries are suspending walk in urgent care clinics. Telephone services are operating.

The car wash at Crediton Fire Station which was due to take place on March 21 has been postponed until later in the year.The Hospiscare Easter Fayre and Egg Hunt due to be held on March 28 at Helmores has been cancelled.

If you would like publicity about an event, or the cancellation or postponement of an event, please get in touch by email: [email protected] or telephone the Courier office on 01363 774263.

ADVICE

The NHS in Devon and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases.

The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

The risk to the general public is moderate. If you have arrived back to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau within 14 days, follow the specific advice for returning travellers.

Call 111 now if you’ve been:

• to Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days (even if you do not have symptoms)

• to other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong, in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)

• to Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)

• in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus.

Do not go to a GP surgery, community pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

Further information is available on the website: www.nhs.uk .

Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.

The risk of being in close contact with a person with coronavirus or contaminated surfaces is very low at the current time, as members of the public who have visited Wuhan or Hubei province, China are currently in isolation.

Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict regulations. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of the hospital and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at Further information is available on the website: www.nhs.uk .