Coronavirus: Whitby-based councillor is in self-isolation after showing symptoms

Whitby-based Cllr Joe Plant made the announcement via his Twitter account today.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Plant said he started to feel unwell on Sunday and due to his underlying heart issues had been avoiding gatherings and council meetings since the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Streonshalh ward councillor said: “It started on Sunday afternoon and I’ve been coughing, I’ve got a headache and flu-like symptoms.

“I took medical advice straight away and although it doesn’t mean I have the coronavirus, just with my health it’s sensible to take the advice to self-isolate. So that’s what I will be doing for the next seven days.

“Anyone who is in a similar position to myself should seek medical advice if they have any of the symptoms and isolate themselves.”

Anyone with a temperature or a new, continuous cough is being asked to stay at home for seven days from when symptoms started.

Public Health England says this action will help protect others in the community while people are infectious.

It is advising people to stay at least two metres (about three steps) away from other people in the home, sleep alone, and stay away from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible.

You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation.

If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days, contact NHS 111 online or if you have no internet access, call NHS 111.