Coronavirus

By March 4, 2020News
A woman holding laboratory apparatus

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Following the latest Government advice about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak please be aware of the following information.

The main symptoms are:

  • a cough
  • a high temperature
  • shortness of breath

Call 111 now and DO NOT go to your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you have been:

  • to Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days (even if you do not have symptoms)
  • to other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)
  • to Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)
  • in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus

If you have returned from these specific areas since February 19th, you should call NHS 111 and self-isolate even if you do not have symptoms:

  • Iran
  • Specific lockdown areas in Northern Italy as designated by the Government of Italy
  • Special care zones in South Korea as designated by the Government of the Republic of South Korea
  • Hubei province (as previously noted)

If you have returned from these areas since February 19th and develop symptoms, however mild, you should self-isolate at home immediately and call NHS 111. You do not need to self-isolate if you have no symptoms.

  • Northern Italy (defined by a line above, and not including, Pisa, Florence and Rimini),
  • Vietnam
  • Cambodia
  • Laos
  • Myanmar

Those who have returned from previously identified geographic areas within the past 14 days and develop symptoms, however mild, should self-isolate at home immediately and call NHS 111.

There’s currently no vaccine for coronavirus but there are things you can do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Whilst the risk to people in the UK is low, these steps can help reduce the possible spread of infection.

Leave a Reply