Coronarvirus update

Posted on February 11th, 2020

Coronavirus: latest information and advice

The NHS in Lincolnshire and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

If you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus you should use the NHS 111 coronavirus online service

If you have returned from these specific areas in the last 14 days, you should use the NHS 111 coronavirus online service and self-isolate even if you do not have symptoms:

• Iran
• Specific lockdown areas in Northern Italy as designated by the Government of Italy
• Special care zones in South Korea as designated by the Government of the Republic of South Korea
• Hubei province (as previously noted)

If you have returned from these areas in the last 14 days and develop symptoms, however mild, you should self-isolate at home immediately and use the NHS 111 coronavirus online service. You do not need to self-isolate if you have no symptoms:

• Italy (the whole of the country, except areas which are listed above)
• China (except Hubei province which is listed above)
• Hong Kong
• Macau
• Taiwan
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Republic of Korea (except areas which are listed above)
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Myanmar

Those who have returned from previously identified geographic areas within the past 14 days and develop
symptoms, however mild, should self-isolate at home immediately and use the NHS 111 coronavirus online service.

Do not come to the surgery, community pharmacy or hospital. Use the NHS 111 coronavirus online service, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.

Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict regulations. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of the hospital and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• 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, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at Further information is available on nhs.uk.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

England poster advice A5-20202901