Background Info on Covid-19 / Coronavirus
What is Coronavirus and what are the symptoms?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in January 2020. The incubation period of COVID-19 is between 2 and 14 days. This means that if a person remains well 14 days after contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus, it is unlikely that they have been infected. To support the delay of the spread of the virus, the Department for Health and Social Care has asked anyone who shows certain symptoms to stay at home for 14 days, regardless of whether they have travelled to affected areas - this now includes all members of their household. This means people should stay at home and avoid contact with others for 14 days from the point of displaying mild symptoms, to slow the spread of infection.
The symptoms are:
- A high temperature (37.8 degrees and above)
- A new, dry and continuous cough (not one that you have had a number of days/weeks)
Preventing the spread of infection
The best way to prevent infection is through hygiene. Some general principles that help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses include:
- washing your hands often with soap and water
- covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin.
- use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
What if someone shows symptoms?
If anyone is worried that they may be showing symptoms, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment. Further information can be gained on the Public Health England Blog and the NHS UK website.
To find out current, up to date information about the spread of the Coronavirus, please visit this link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
