Coronavirus 2020

On Friday 31st January 2020, two individuals in the UK, who are members of the same family tested positive for Coronavirus. They are receiving specialist NHS care using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus. At this time the risk individuals in the UK has not changed, despite the World Health Organisation declaration of a ‘public health emergency of international concern. 

However, if yourself or any individual have concerns that you or they have been exposed to or become infected with the novel Coronavirus you must contact NHS 111 and NOT attend the hospital emergency department or GP surgery unless otherwise directed by a medical professional. 

Public Health England are asking the following: 

- All travellers who develop relevant symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath) however mild, within 14 days of returning from mainland china, should self-isolate at home immediately and call NHS 111

- All travellers from Wuhun and Hubei Province should self-isolate for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, due to the increase risk from the area. 

Finally, there are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:  

-Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

-Avoid touching your eye, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

-Avoid close contact with people who are sick

-If you feel unwell, stay at home, do not attend work or school 

-Cover you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. 

Further advise and guidance, please click on the following link: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-guidance-to-assist-professionals-in-advising-the-general-public/guidance-to-assist-professionals-in-advising-the-general-public