Coronavirus in Doncaster: How many cases, how many deaths and everything that's closing or staying open

The UK is now in virtual lockdown after Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night urged everyone to stay at home in a bid to beat the COVID-19 pandemic.
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All non essential stores are now closed, people are being told to work from home wherever possible, gatherings of more than two people are banned and people are only allowed out once a day for exercise – with the police able to enforce the rules.

In Doncaster, there has been one, confirmed, reported death from coronavirus.

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Yesterday, Dr Tim Noble, medical director at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, which runs the hospital, said: "I am saddened to confirm that a patient who was being cared for at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and who had tested positive for Covid-19, has passed away.

All the latest on coronavirus in Doncaster.All the latest on coronavirus in Doncaster.
All the latest on coronavirus in Doncaster.

“The patient, who was in their 70s, had underlying health conditions.” As of Monday, 335 people have died in the UK.

Public Health England figures show there are currently seven confirmed cases in the Doncaster Upper Tier Local Authorities and NHS Regions – but patients may be being treated in other areas.

Here’s what else you need to know

What did Boris Johnson say?

PM Boris Johnson has outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

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In a televised statement on Monday evening, the prime minister ordered people to leave their homes only under a list of "very limited purposes".

He also ordered the immediate closure of shops selling non-essential goods.

He said people should leave home only to exercise once a day (alone or people you live with), to travel to and from work where "absolutely necessary", to shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs or to help a vulnerable person.

This includes moving children under the age of 18 between their parents' homes, where applicable. Key workers or those with children identified as vulnerable can continue to take their children to school

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Police and local authorities will have powers to disperse gatherings, including through fines.

The restrictions would be under constant review and a relaxation of the rules would be considered in three weeks, he said.

The new measures came amid fears people were disregarding the government's social distancing advice.

At the weekend, crowds of people were seen at beaches, parks, markets and other public spaces.

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Even when following the above guidance, people should minimise the amount of time spent out of their homes and should keep two metres (6ft) away from people they do not live with.

The government is also stopping all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals attended by immediate family members are allowed.

Are shops closed?

Businesses that will not need to close include supermarkets, petrol stations, post offices and banks.

But premises such as libraries, non-essential shops, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship have been ordered to close.

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Hotels, hostels, campsites and caravan parks must also close unless key workers need to stay there, or if other people staying there cannot return to their primary residence.

Parks will remain open for exercise but people are not allowed to gather in groups.

Community centres can stay open but only for the purpose of "hosting essential voluntary or public services" such as food banks or service for homeless people, the guidance says.

A number of High Street retailers and food chains, such as Ikea, John Lewis and Next, had already shut prior to Mr Johnson's announcement on Monday evening.

Retailers that will be allowed to stay open include:

Supermarkets and other food shops

Pharmacies

Petrol stations

Newsagents

Bicycle shops

Home and hardware stores

Laundrettes and dry cleaners

Garages

Pet shops

Post Offices

Banks

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Businesses will still be able to take online orders and deliver items to people's homes.

BUSES

First South Yorkshire and Stagecoach are now running reduced timetables. Passengers are urged to avoid all non essential travel by public transport.

TRAINSAll rail services are also running on reduced timetables. All details of revised timetables are available at Network Rail. Passengers are urged to avoid all non essential travel by public transport.

DONCASTER COUNCIL

Doncaster Council has issued gudiance to residents for during the coronavirus crisis. Mayor Ros Jones has explained what’s been done in the borough. You can read her statement HERE

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Full details of changes and disruption to Doncaster Council services are available HERE

LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Cinemas, theatres and leisure centres, including The Dome, are all closed.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Cusworth Hall, Doncaster Racecourse are all also closed.

FOOTBALL

All Doncaster Rovers fixtures have been suspended until at least April 30.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

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COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

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Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Should I avoid public places?

The advice now is to avoid public places and any non-essential travel. Travel abroad is also being advised against for the next 30 days at least, and many European countries have closed their borders.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead use the NHS website that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms and feel you cannot cope on your own at home, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.