Coronavirus UK: Government reveals vital steps to follow to slow spread of the virus

Coronavirus was confirmed in two Chinese nationals who were staying at the Staycity apartment-hotel in York. They were then taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle and the hotel has been thoroughly disinfected. The University of York has said the student was not on campus or in student accommodation before or after exposure to the virus.

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Public Health England (PHE) has revealed it’s making “good progress” in tracing people who have come into close contact with the two confirmed cases.

Responding to the arrival of coronavirus in the UK, a public health campaign has been launched to provide clear advice to the public on how to slow the spread of coronavirus and reduce the impact on NHS services.

The Government-funded campaign will include public health advice on how people can protect themselves from infection.

Similar to the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign used for flu and norovirus, it will promote important hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our highly trained and experienced clinicians are working round the clock to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK. The Government has detailed plans for how to deal with an outbreak like this. We can all play our part.

“Lots of people are asking what they can do to help stop the spread of the virus. Basic hygiene such as washing our hands regularly and using tissues when we cough and sneeze can play an important role in minimising the spread of viruses like this.

“Today we have launched a UK-wide advertising campaign to help the public protect themselves and each other.

“While two cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, our world-class NHS is well prepared to manage these types of incidents. We are doing everything we can to protect the public.”

HM Government and NHS-branded information will appear in radio and print media, as well as social media.

The adverts will advise the public to:

• Always carry tissues with and use them to catch coughs and sneezes
• Bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash hands with soap and water, or use sanitiser gel

People who have travelled back from the Hubei province within the last 14 days are being asked to:  

• Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu.
• Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the city

If you are in Northern Ireland, call your GP.

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Anyone who has travelled from anywhere else in China (not including Macao or Hong Kong) to the UK in the last 14 days and develops symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, should immediately self-isolate, even if symptoms are minor and call NHS111.

The UK is extremely well prepared for any potential outbreak of an infectious disease – we are one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus.

The Government is already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had to prevent further spread and are in close contact with the World Health Organization and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure the UK is are ready for all eventualities.

Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing.

The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

For further information on coronavirus, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

More than 300 people have died in the outbreak so far, the vast majority from Hubei, and more than 14,000 people have been infected.

As well as China, cases have been confirmed in Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the US, and now the UK.

The first fatality outside of China has now been confirmed in the Philippines.

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