 Update on coronavirus (COVID-19)
There has been a lot of coverage about coronavirus and its spread around the world, and now across the UK.
While the UK Chief Medical Officers have now raised the risk to the public from low to moderate, the number of confirmed cases in the country, and locally, remains low.
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to other illnesses such as the flu. So even if you do have symptoms, it's unlikely to be coronavirus if you've not been in contact with a confirmed case.
Please be assured the council is monitoring the situation closely and following all advice from Public Health England, the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care.
As with any virus, such as the common cold or flu, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to practice good hygiene.
This includes washing your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze, and binning used tissues immediately.
We have put together the latest advice from the NHS in this bulletin. This will help make sure you have up to date and factual information to protect yourself and others from coronavirus.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
Do
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wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
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always wash your hands when you get home or into work
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use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
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cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
-
put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
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try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don't
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Symptoms of coronavirus
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
What to do if you think you might have coronavirus
If you think you might have coronavirus or you've been in close contact with someone who has it:
- stay at home and avoid close contact with other people
- do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital
- use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next
The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help. Use the 111 coronavirus service.
What's the risk of coronavirus for travellers?
There are some countries and areas where there's a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus. See the NHS's coronavirus advice for travellers.
Want more information?
You can find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you’re a returning traveller, and what the government is doing about the virus.
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