Coronavirus: latest information and advice
Situation in the UK
Number of cases
Four further patients in England have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 13. As of 25 February, a total of 6,795 people have been tested in the UK, of which 6,782 were confirmed negative and 13 positive.
Risk level
Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate. The risk to individuals remains low.
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.
Returning travellers
Advice from the UK Chief Medical Officers is to call 111 now if you’ve been:
- to Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
- to Iran, lockdown areas in northern Italy areas of northern Italy in lockdown or ‘special care zones’ in South Korea since 19 February
- to other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
- to other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
- in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
There are things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading.
Do
- 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
- wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t
- touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
If you are advised to ‘self-isolate’ and unable to attend work you should inform your employer as soon as possible.
Further information