The country’s leading health authority, Public Health England (PHE), has issued advice for anyone who could have come into contact with the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus.
While there have so far been no UK cases and the risk to the UK population is considered ‘low’, it is important for anyone who has recently travelled to Wuhan and other affected areas to be aware of symptoms and healthcare advice.
Anyone who has visited Wuhan in the past 14 days and develops any one or more of a set of symptoms including a cough, runny nose, breathing difficulties, fever or sore throat should:
• Avoid contact with others
• Stay indoors
• Ring 111 or phone your GP
Important information from Public Health England about the Wuhan novel coronavirus pic.twitter.com/MbaPPIaDOz
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A number of precautionary measures are in place in the UK to protect against the virus. A diagnostic test has been developed and is in use, and all direct flights arriving in the country from Wuhan are being closely monitored.
A Port Health team meet each aircraft to provide advice and support to those that feel unwell.
They will check for symptoms and provide information to all passengers about symptoms and what to do if they become ill. Passengers will also receive advice leaflets.
Dr Nick Phin, deputy director, National Infection Service, Public Health England, said: “This is a new and rapidly evolving situation where information on cases and the virus is being gathered and assessed daily. Based on the available evidence, the current risk to the UK is considered low. We are working with the WHO and other international partners, have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.
“If you are traveling to Wuhan, you should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms. Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK.
“They should phone ahead before attending any health services and mention their recent travel to the city.”
More information, updated on a daily basis, is available here.
