Coronavirus (Covid 19)

The Government’s Department of Health has designated the current risk level from the coronavirus as ‘moderate’, and has described the disease itself as a “serious and imminent threat” to public health. But it should be noted that the situation is changing so please visit the site below to keep up to date with the current status.

COVID-19: guidance for employers and businesses

Because it’s a new illness, it is not known exactly how Coronavirus spreads from person to person, but similar viruses spread by respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale. While animals are the source of the virus, this virus is now spreading from one person to another (human-to-human transmission).

At time of writing, there is currently not enough epidemiological information to determine how easily and sustainably this virus is spreading between people. The main signs of infection are:

• Fever (high temperature)
• Cough
• Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
• Feeling very tired.

The majority of people infected are likely to fully recover, however it can be a bigger threat to people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung disease.

Advice

The NHS advise the following measures to help stop germs like Coronavirus spreading:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using public transport.
• Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available; NHS How to wash your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell;