WEARING masks and social distancing is affective in stopping the spread of Covid, a front line nurse has insisted as she revealed she has not caught the virus.

Lisa Ward, lead respiratory nurse at Southend Hospital, received her blood test results on Monday which showed she has no Covid antibodies in her system and is not Covid positive.

Now, having no evidence of previous infection by the virus in her body, Lisa is keen to share how following guidelines does really work and spoke of the importance of adhering to the rules.

It follows warnings earlier this month from the nurse herself that the hospital was in a “very bad way”, urging people to stay home as teams continue to deal with rising levels of Covid-19 patients.

She said: “I work in respiratory care and my working environment means contact with many staff and patients that come to hospital for many reasons. Working in the frontline I’ve been doing this for many months alongside all the other respiratory staff.

“I have always used the PPE provided (masks, gloves, apron) and hand washing.

“We have been keeping apart from our own colleagues where possible too, including our tea breaks and essential meetings and during our ward rounds.

“We are making sure we have ventilation in our wards, departments and offices. This means the airborne virus floats off out of the windows or doorways and does not congregate for hours in closed spaces. We also cleaned surfaces and items around us regularly.

“So my actions of masking up, washing my hands and staying away from others socially and staying in my bubble at home means I have been protected from getting the virus inside my body.”

Lisa says that this means she has also not been spreading the virus either and added “this is not just luck – this is direct action.”

She continued: “The statistics that you hear on daily government briefings details the number of deaths – and anyone who has experienced a person or patient who is dying or has died will say we all need to stop it spreading among us so that we protect those who are vulnerable.

“My conclusion – follow the clear guidance. Don’t go out unless essential. If you do then keep two meters apart from others.

“Exercise and don’t stop and chat and mingle outside. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth and wash your hands regularly for more than 20 seconds. Get the vaccine.

“I believe we will all get there and while the nurses and doctors are working tirelessly looking after the really sick patients in our hospitals, please help and take direct action.”