Public Health England advice on coronavirus (Covid -19); The latest guidance from Public Health England, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland, Public Health Wales and Health Protection Scotland.
Byline: By, Daniel Smith
Here is latest health advice from Public Health England, Public Health Agency in Northern Island, Public Health Wales and Health Protection Scotland.
Last updated: March 14, 7pm.
Public Health England advice
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
a high temperature -- you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
a new, continuous cough -- this means you've started coughing repeatedly
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.
Urgent advice
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
your condition gets worse
your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Use the 111 coronavirus service
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
How coronavirus is spread
Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
Do
wash your hands with soap and water often -- do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
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 immediately and wash your hands afterwards
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
Travel advice
There are some countries and areas where there's a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.
If you're planning to travel abroad and are concerned about coronavirus, see advice for travellers on GOV.UK.
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You'll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
For the very latest advice, click here.
Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland advice
If you have a high temperature and/or a persistent cough stay at home for seven days.
Do not go to your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Call your GP if:
you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home;
your conditions get worse;
your symptoms do not get better after seven days.
If it is a medical emergency and you need to call an ambulance, dial 999 and inform the operator of your symptoms.
Like seasonal flu, the same public health advice applies for COVID-19 Coronavirus: if you cough or sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, throw it away carefully after use, and wash your hands.
Once flu and similar infectious viruses begin to spread, the main method that can prevent further spread, is good personal hygiene. Washing your hands regularly will help prevent flu and other viruses spreading.
Travel advice
The Public Health Agency PHA does not issue travel advice. If you're concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on your existing travel plans, check with your airline, tour operator, cruise line or other transport and accommodation providers as applicable. People who plan to travel should check the travel advice here.
Advice for older people
At present the advice for older people is the same as that for the rest of the population.
You can reduce the risk of catching coronavirus by:
Always carrying tissues with you and using them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
Washing your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds each time with soap and water or hand sanitiser, especially when you:
get home or into work;
blow your nose, sneeze or cough;
are going to eat or handle food.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell.
For the very latest advice, click here.
Public Health Wales advice
What to do if you have symptoms of Coronavirus
You should stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
a high temperature
a new continuous cough
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
If you have need to stay at home follow our self-isolation advice see below.
You should only contact 111 if:
you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
your condition gets worse
your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
How to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus
Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.
To protect yourself and other people:
wash your hands with soap and water often -- do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your...
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