Public warned to 'act now' and stop the spread of coronavirus in Dacorum

Hertfordshire's Local Resilience Forum is encouraging people to 'act now' and stop the spread of coronavirus in Dacorum.

Firefighters, police officers, environmental health and trading standards officers were in Hemel Hempstead, Tring and Borehamwood town centres at the weekend to drive home the message – you need to act now to halt the rise of coronavirus in the community.

The multi-agency taskforce shared a hard-hitting reassurance message on Saturday and Sunday – that the current significant number of positive COVID-19 cases across Dacorum and Hertsmere poses a real risk.

Darryl Keen, director of community protection, chief fire officer and chair of the strategic coordination group of the LRF, said: “There has been a specific rise of cases in Hemel Hempstead and existing self-isolation and testing measures have not been effective at managing to contain this local outbreak amongst the original group of young people, aged between 17 and 19.

"In response, we are getting boots on the ground to spread the message in the shopping centres and town centres, talking to shoppers and people heading out for an evening meal or drink with family and friends.

“It is clear: we all need to act now to protect one another. Wear face coverings, keep up social distancing, wash your hands more often and for longer.

"It is important that people self-isolate for 14 days if they have had contact with someone who tested positive – even if they have recently tested negative.”

Hertfordshire’s LRF – a partnership of over 60 organisations including the emergency services, local councils, health services and volunteers, which plans, trains and responds to emergencies together – has been working to coordinate the county’s approach to COVID-19.

Chief Inspector Chris Treadwell, who leads Hertfordshire’s Crime Reduction and Community Safety team, added: “Please remember that unlicensed music events are illegal, and that there are numerous risks in attending – not least the very real threat of coronavirus.

"They will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire and anyone organising an illegal event could be fined £10,000 for breaking the law with those attending fined £100.”

If you are feeling unwell, you should call 119 or book a test online.