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In the UK, official numbers of COVID-19 cases have now risen to 9526. 463 people have died in the UK from the pandemic.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has reported 414,179 cases globally and 18,440 deaths (situation report published on the 25th of March).
As of March 12th the advice from the NHS is to stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms. The NHS website states:
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
-
a high temperature
-
a new, continuous cough
This will help to protect others in your community while you are infectious.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
The Government have stated that they will not be testing people who are self-isolating with mild symptoms.
Follow online advice from 111 – you can click here to Use the 111 coronavirus service
You should only call 111 if you cannot get help online and for the following reasons:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
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.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You’ll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.