RENFREWSHIRE residents are being urged to stay at home this Easter weekend and follow the latest guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The latest government advice states that staying at home is essential to protect the NHS and save lives – and residents can follow this by only going outside for essential food, health or work reasons, staying two metres away from other people and washing hands regularly.

Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus should stay at home for seven days, while other members of the household should remain indoors for 14 days, even if the first person recovers.

The advice also includes not socialising with people outside your household and residents should not visit friends or family but, instead, phone or video call to keep in touch.

Anyone who is struggling with their mental health during this period can find help and advice on the Renfrewshire Council website by visiting www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-wellbeing.

If you need urgent help, contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

For life-threatening mental health emergencies, call 999, or 111 for NHS urgent mental health care.

Renfrewshire’s Local Assistance Helpline will be available to those who are shielding and do not have a support network that can collect essential items for them.

Anyone who needs this support should call 0300 300 0230 to speak in confidence with an advisor.

The helpline will be open over the Easter weekend, from 8.45am until 4.45pm. You can also email Shielding.Support.Referrals@renfrewshire.gov.uk out of these hours and a member of the team will get in touch.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “Easter is usually a time to get together with family and friends but please reconsider any plans you may have made and continue to stay at home and help combat the spread of the virus.

“Maintaining our health and wellbeing is vitally important at this tough time and, although our parks and green spaces remain open for exercise, I urge you to stay close to home and not be tempted to drive anywhere for an Easter walk.

“The weeks and months ahead will be difficult but, by following the guidance and staying at home, we will help protect our NHS and save lives.”

For updates, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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