by Abigail Beresford
A string of advisory steps have been issued by health officials during the coronavirus outbreak on what precautionary measures people can take to reduce the risk of being infected.
The guidance is to:
Wash your hands
It is advised that you should wash your hands with hot water, and antibacterial soap for 20 seconds, to ensure that unwanted viruses are being killed.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose
Your hands are touching various items throughout the day that others may have also touched. These could be contaminated and putting you at risk. Therefore, from touching your face, eyes, and nose, it has the ability to spread around your body.
Sneeze and cough into your elbow or a tissue
This ensures that if you were to sneeze or cough into your hands, you are not passing on any unwanted germs or viruses on to other people, when coming into contact with them.
Maintain social distance
It is advised people should maintain at least a metre away from anyone who has been sneezing and coughing. Therefore, you will not be in a close enough vicinity to be at risk.
What may the symptoms be?
- A cough
- High temperature
- Shortness of breath
What to do if you think you have coronavirus?
If you have the symptoms, you are advised to stay at home for seven days.
If you live with other people, they have been advised to stay at home for 14 days.
If you live with anyone who is at high risk (people over 70, anyone with breathing issues, or who is pregnant), it is advised that they find somewhere to stay for 14 days, and not be in close proximity.
Ring 111 (NHS Coronavirus line), if:
- you cannot cope with your symptoms
- your condition gets worse
- symptoms do not get better after seven days
