CONCERNED ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

While the risk to individuals in the UK remains low it is not unreasonable to be concerned about the global spread of the new Coronavirus following the outbreak in Wuhan, China. In the UK, as at 10th February, it has been reported that a total of 1,114 people have been tested of which 8 had tested positive and the rest were negative.

This is an evolving situation and it is not possible to give detailed advice in an article such as this. If you are concerned about symptoms or you may be travelling to an affected area then the best advice is to check official sources for the current picture.

General advice about the current situation in the UK can be found on the Gov.Uk website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

If you are living or thinking about travelling overseas then you should check the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for your region. This can also be found on the Gov.UK website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

This new Coronavirus is a respiratory illness and the NHS website advises that Symptoms usually include a cough, a high temperature and feeling short of breath. If you have any of these symptoms and have arrived in UK from any of the affected areas in the last 14 days the current advice is to stay indoors and avoid contact with other people (as you would with the flu) and call the NHS on 111 (or 0300 200 7885 in Northern Ireland) to inform them of your recent travel to the country.

To prevent the transmission of this and similar viruses it is important to follow good personal hygiene procedures such as using a tissue when you cough or sneeze then binning the tissue and washing your hands (or using a sanitiser gel). You are also advised to Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and where practical avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Further advice from the NHS can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/