Coronavirus: Gosportarians pledge to help food bank as all upcoming events are cancelled due to Covid-19

The Gosportarians held their last partially sighted club on Tuesday, as well as cancelling the car show at Fort Brockhurst and it is looking likely the dog show will also not go ahead.

However, Gosportarian Malcolm Dent has come up with a plan to continue raising community spirit by using their reserves of money which have built up after three years of successful events to support the food bank.

Malcolm, 70, said: ‘The problem is that most events revolve around people liking to be with people, and now all us older people are supposed to be confined to be at home.

‘We have got reserves built up from over the last three years, the money is of no use so we can spend it.

‘The idea is to buy food each week for the food bank now it’s a hardship time for people.’

This money has been collected from stallholders paying for spaces at previous Gosportarians events, and the group want to use it to support people who may be in self-isolation or struggling for money to buy food.

Malcolm also hopes to use some of the funds to purchase tablets which will be donated to people who may be lonely and isolated at home, so they will be able to stay in contact with the outside world.

Malcolm said: ‘People save money for a rainy day, if this isn’t a rainy day I don’t know what is.’

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

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. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

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?

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.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS