Coronavirus: staying safe

Precautions in place to stop spread of coronavirus
1,400 people turned out for the racing on Sunday, but now the doors are closed to the public  EMN-200316-1215510011,400 people turned out for the racing on Sunday, but now the doors are closed to the public  EMN-200316-121551001
1,400 people turned out for the racing on Sunday, but now the doors are closed to the public EMN-200316-121551001

Precautions are being taken in and around Market Rasen as the threat of coronavirus rages on.

Schools and healthcare professionals are taking steps to ensure that the public are protected and are acting on Government advice.

In a speech on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that residents across the UK should try and avoid ‘nonessential travel’ and work from their homes where possible.

Mr Johnson also advised that people avoid mass gatherings, only use the NHS when absolutely necessary, and avoid unnecessary socialising.

In line with the latest advice, the Rasen Mail contacted Market Rasen Surgery.

A spokesman said: “At the moment we haven’t had any cases (of coronavirus).

“We’ve set up a phone message advising patients not to come into the surgery if they have a temperature or cough.

“And we’re advising people not to walk in to ask for a doctor’s appointment.

“Otherwise, at the moment, we’re just seeing patients as normal.

As of yesterday (Tuesday) morning), the Government has not advised schools to close.

Market Rasen Primary School executive headteacher Andrew Smith said: “We’re just following the government advice and communicating to parents.

“We’re meeting with governors to look at detailed contingency planning to make sure everything is in place.

“We’ve got detailed contingency plans so we can provide continuity of education [in the event of school closures].

“For some time now, we’ve been making sure children are washing their hands.

“We’re working out what impact it could have on vulnerable and disadvantaged children if there are school closures.

“We’ll make sure their wellbeing is taken care of and we’d want to make sure these children could continue to access free school meals.”

In a letter to parents on Monday (March 16), De Aston School headteacher Simon Porter said: “It is a concerning time...any decision about the safety of pupils at De Aston School will always be made in accordance with guidance and any local factors that also need to be considered.

“The school recognises that families may already be anxious about arrangements for the Easter break.

“As you can imagine, this is not an easy task but we are doing all we can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.

“It is a difficult time for all of us as a school community. It is important that we act calmly and take heed of the advice we are given.”

The Poplars care home in Chapman Street confirmed it had not yet closed to visitors, and that it was following guidance from its head office.

Meanwhile Town and Country Kiddies Nursery in Market Rasen announced it had made the decision to cancel a parents’ evening and a Mother’s Day afternoon tea planned for Friday, March 20.

And the nursery said all stay and play sessions at the library would not be taking place until at least after the Easter holidays.

Despite the pandemic, 1,400 people turned out for a race meeting in Market Rasen on Sunday (March 15).

A Market Rasen Racecourse spokesman said the crowds were ‘in excess of expectations’.

He said: “We were delighted with Sunday. A happy crowd in excess of our expectations celebrating all that is good about Market Rasen.

“A first class afternoon on and off the track, with extra hand washing facilities available.

“Like every racecourse in Great Britain we are regulated by the British Horseracing Authority and they advised us at lunchtime on Monday (March 16) that all racing is to take place behind closed doors, which means without spectators, immediately until the end of March.

“That includes our fixture on Wednesday of next week.”

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