Things to Do and Avoid
In order to address the growing concerns over the Corona virus COVID-19 we have pulled together information from the NHS and government websites.
The most important thing to remember is to clean your hands regularly. Always be mindful of where your hands have been. Handrails, door handles and surfaces could potentially have come into contact with people who may have the coronavirus.
You should always wash your hands before eating and avoid touching your face to help lower the risk to you for contracting the coronavirus.
NHS video on how to correctly clean your hands
Important things to remember
Questions you may have
Do I need to avoid public places?
Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.
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.
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 of coronavirus for travellers?
There are some countries and areas where there’s a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.
What is the best way to slow the spread of coronavirus?
Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds and whenever you:
- get home or into work
- blow your nose, sneeze or cough
- eat or handle food
It’s important to use soap and water or a hand sanitiser.
Are face masks useful for preventing coronavirus?
Face masks play a very important role in places like hospitals, but there is very little evidence of widespread benefit for members of the public.
Can I get coronavirus from mail and parcels from China or other affected areas?
There is currently no evidence that you can catch coronavirus from parcels and letters.
Can I get coronavirus from food or takeaways?
There is currently no evidence that you can catch coronavirus from food.
But it’s always a good idea to wash your hands in soap and water or use hand sanitiser gel before you prepare or eat food.
Can pets spread coronavirus?
There is currently no evidence that companion animals or pets can be infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).
But it’s always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
This can help protect you against common infections that can pass between pets and humans.