Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. It has been designated as pandemic affecting many countries globally, including the UK.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some people may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but only have very mild symptoms. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill. Even people with very mild symptoms of COVID-19 can transmit the virus. People of all ages who experience fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

We recommend that you follow official medical and health advice provided by the government, including follow social distancing guidelines. You can find out more at www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-homeguidance and

https://www.gov.uk/publications/covid-19guidance-on-social-distancing

We also suggest that you keep an eye on responsible news sources, such as the BBC, to stay up-to-date on developments with the outbreak.

DAMHA’s office is now closed and our staff are all working from home. Our service to residents is being provided within the boundaries in place for observing social distancing and self-isolation advice from the Government.

We are currently only carrying out emergency repairs. If you have a repair which you think is urgent please firstly refer to your residents handbook or visit the repairs page of our website at where you will find a full list of emergency repairs. At this time we would ask you to report repairs using the online form if possible, but you can also continue to telephone us.

Government guidelines state that anyone who has coronavirus symptoms must self isolate. We would only access your home during this time if there was likely to be a serious health & safety breach. Each case would be looked at independently.

We want to help you through this challenging time and if you feel you are unable to pay please contact us to discuss your case.

All our lettings have been placed on hold. Our Housing Officers will only be contacting you via telephone to ensure we keep you as safe as possible.

Our aim is to keep residents as safe from the virus as possible. We have already written to all residents outlining the current service we are able to provide, while following Government guidelines.  If you have no family, friends or carers for support, please contact us so we can work with external agencies to help you get the support you need.

Residents who have no support for things like shopping can receive help by using the following telephone numbers:

Area – Durham

Durham County Council – 03000 260260

Age UK County Durham –0191 386 3856

Area – Gateshead

Gateshead Council – 0191 433 7112

Age UK Gateshead – 0191 477 3559

Area – South Tyneside

South Tyneside Council – 0191 424 6000

Area – Sunderland

Sunderland Council – 0800 234 6084

Sunderland Age Concern – 0191 514 1331