Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways which is caused by a virus called coronavirus.
What’s the risk of coronavirus in the UK?
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.
Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus.
What’s the risk for travellers?
There are some countries and areas where there’s a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.
Symptoms of coronavirus
a cough
a high temperature
shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. As the symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How is this spreading
Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Because, similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food. Viruses like Covid-19 cannot live outside the body for very long.
Do I need to avoid public places?
Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places. You only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online Covid-19s service or a medical professional.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs. Well, there are things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus from spreading like:
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 and also use hand sanitizer gel if soap and water are not available. Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
