COVID-19 Snapshot
As of 7th October 2020 (data reported up to 4th October 2020).
 Click here to see and print the full COVID-19 snapshot from 7 Oct.
Please remember
Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must isolate for 10 days from when they started feeling ill and their household should isolate for 14 days.
Get tested at temporary COVID-19 testing centre in Milton Keynes
A temporary new COVID-19 testing centre will open in the north of Milton Keynes on Wednesday 7 October. It will only be open to people who have booked a test in advance.
Milton Keynes Council’s Public Health team secured the centre, which will operate for four days over a two-week period, following a rise in local people testing positive for COVID-19.
Over the last two weeks 4,761 tests have been taken in Milton Keynes and 107 people have been confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Many of these new cases have been in the north of Milton Keynes. The new drive through centre will be set up on Soskin Drive in Stantonbury in the hope that people in the area experiencing symptoms will seek a test.
Public health experts are keen to track how the virus is being passed within communities, and particularly urge people living in postcodes starting MK13 and MK14 who have COVID-19 symptoms to be tested.
However, the centre isn’t limited to people in these postcodes and any MK residents with a new continuous cough, raised temperature or change in sense of smell or taste should try to book a test on www.gov.uk or by calling 119.
The new centre will only be open to people who have booked a test in advance. Given current limits on testing capacity, only people with symptoms should book a test.
The new centre will be open on Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 October, and Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 October.
Anyone experiencing COVID-19 must isolate for 10 days from when they started feeling ill and their household should isolate for 14 days.
The STOIC study: A ground-breaking study testing inhaled steriods in early COVID-19 has opened
Currently recruiting volunteers for a new research study called STOIC (STerOids in COVID-19), which will look at a common inhaled steroid to prevent hospitalisation from COVID-19.
Oxford University are looking for volunteers aged 18 and over with new symptoms of COVID-19. A positive test is not needed. For more information, go to: https://stoic.ndm.ox.ac.uk or call 07554 436726.
Up to date guidance for Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes is not currently subject to local intervention and is therefore subject to the general national rules. It is critical that everybody observes the following key behaviours.
- HANDS - Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
- FACE - Cover your face in enclosed spaces, especially where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- SPACE - Stay 2 metres apart where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place.
Click here to see and print the full up to date guidance for Milton Keynes.
NHS COVID-19 app
The NHS COVID-19 app was launched on 24 September. Protect your loved ones with the official NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app for England and Wales.
It's the fastest way of knowing when you're at risk from COVID-19. The quicker you know, the quicker you can alert your loved ones, and your community.
You can find out more about the app here: covid19.nhs.uk.
This week our focus is on Mental Health
We all have mental health. Just like our physical health, it goes up and down. Having good mental health can help us feel better, sleep better and support us in doing the things we want to do. It can also help us have more positive relationships with those around us. The coronavirus pandemic, months of lockdown and the continued uncertainty has been tough on us all, and our mental health may have been affected in various ways. We may be feeling lonely, isolated, stressed and anxious during this difficult period, so it’s important we do all we can to look after our mental wellbeing.
There are many resources available if you or someone you know needs support. Every Mind Matters aims to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others. To learn more about how to look after your mental health and create your own action plan, visit: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ or search Every Mind Matters.
It is important to note that if you are really struggling with your mental health and it is disrupting your everyday life seek professional help and talk to your GP. If you need urgent mental health support you can call the CNWL Crisis Line on 0800 0234650.
Other useful local support services
Milton Keynes Talking therapies Service (IAPT) is a free and confidential NHS service.
They can help you to:
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Handle low mood and depression
- Cope with difficult times
To find out how the team can help or to self-refer go to www.mktalkingtherapies.nhs.uk or Tel: 01908 725099
Kooth – Provides online counselling for young people visit www.kooth.com from any device
Mind BLMK - Phone and/or email support on Tel: 0300 330 0648 or hq@mind-blmk.org.uk
Mind Crisis Café - Urgent mental health crisis support via telephone on 01582 722225 Seven days a week 5pm – 11pm
Samaritans – Telephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Useful links
Keep up to date on the Governments latest COVID-19 updates: www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Find COVID-19 Information from the NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Additional measures were put into place in September which require premises such as bars, restaurants, bingo halls and casinos etc. to be closed between 10pm and 5am. More information including the full list of affected premises can be found on the Government website: www.gov.uk/coronavirus. If you find a business open when they should be closed please email CovidConcern@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
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Your Feedback
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Let us know how we can improve: CovidChampions@Milton-Keynes.gov.uk
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