Northamptonshire doctor's plea to cover up when you're going out to keep Covid-19 at bay

A county GP is begging people to remember face coverings are part of the "new normal" while out and about in Northamptonshire.

Shops started reopening nearly four weeks ago and more people are using buses and trains to keep Covid-19 at bay as lockdown measures are eased.

But medics are still reminding locals to of the need to face coverings as protection against spreading the killer bug which is so far known to have claimed 641 lives in county hospitals and care homes.

Their use is mandatory on public transport — although many passengers have reported fellow travellers not bothering on bus services around the county — and government guidance recommends using them while inside shops and other enclosed spaces.

County GP Dr Joanne Watt warned: “Reducing the risk of transmission of the virus remains a priority and is the responsibility of each and every one of us.

"Wearing face coverings is an essential part of the new normal that we now must all adapt to.

"Public transport, enclosed spaces and healthcare settings are areas where the virus can spread more easily or increase the risk to key workers, therefore, I would urge everyone to use face coverings to protect those around them.

“The key when wearing a face covering is that should cover both your mouth and nose. It is important to use face coverings properly and to wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.”

Here's how you can make your own face covering at homeLatest figures released yesterday showed 18 new positive coronavirus tests in the county in the 24 hours up to 9am on Wednesday.

Face coverings can provide protection to others you come into contact with, especially if you are infected but have not developed coronavirus symptoms.

The virus is spread when droplets are sprayed into the air when infected people talk, cough or sneeze. Those droplets can then fall on surfaces.

Homemade cloth face coverings can help reduce the spread from people who are contagious but have no symptoms or are yet to develop symptoms. This is called asymptomatic transmission.

Face coverings should also be worn in enclosed public spaces where maintaining two-metre social distancing isn’t possible. This is most relevant for short periods

indoors and in crowded areas.

Anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms — a high temperature, continuous cough or a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste — should immediately self- isolate with their household and visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to find out how they can get tested.

A mobile testing unit is currently set up in Wellingborough until Friday (July 10).