Approved by DBWS Main Society Committee
19 March 2020
Dear Member,
We hope this letter finds you well.
As a result of the recent Covid-19 outbreak we have formed a working group to help communicate the best available guidance to our members. The working group currently consists of a wide range of healthcare professionals. It is unprecedented for the DBWS to act on healthcare matters. However, on this occasion we feel compelled to do so reduce the risk of this infection to our members, particularly as so many will be at higher risk than normal.
The government have produced some guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK. The aim is to protect older people and vulnerable adults.
Doctors currently advise those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. This group includes:
Under 70 with an underlying health condition:
Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people and will help stop the spread of infection. They are:
1. Avoid contact with someone who has symptoms (of a cough, high fever)
2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport
3. Work from home, where possible.
4. Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces
5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using technology such as phone, internet, and social media
6. Use telephone or line services to contact your GP or other essential services
We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible. If you live with somebody at risk, please consider applying this to yourself too.
What can you do to help prevent the spread of infection?
1. Wash your hands more often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
3. Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.
We have also formed local points of medical guidance and advice should they be required. This is for Covid-19 related advice and guidance only and does not supercede the information given to you by your healthcare professional.
Leicester: Dr Roshan Hirani, RGN Husaina Hirani, Dr Tariq Kapasi, Dr Zoeb Kapadia
Birmingham: Dr Shelina Vanat, Dr Aquil Rajabali
Peterborough: Dr Tariq Kapasi, Dr Roshan Hirani
London: Dr Tasneem Tajbhai
Bradford: Dr Zubair Arastu, Mr Shabbir Huseinbhai
We hope you will consider the information in this letter carefully.
We wish you all the best.
Yours faithfully,
Dr Tariq Kapasi, Interim Chair
Dr Roshan Hirani
RGN Husaina Hirani
Dr Zoeb Kapadia
Dr Naz Kapadia
Dr Tasneem Tajbhai
Dr Shelina Vanat
Dr Zahera Kapasi
Dr Zahir Kaderbhai
Dr Zubair Arastu
Dr Margaret Kaderbhai
Mr Yasin Tayabjee
Mr Salim Kapasi
Dr Aquil Rajabali
Dr Arif Sadikot
Dr Aekila Aggarwal
Dr Sana Huseinbhai