The Government has said that the risk remains “low” as the country is “well prepared” for a Coronavirus Outbreak.
The number of cases in the UK has risen to 13 after four passengers on a cruise ship flew back to England on Saturday and tested positive for the virus. Yet, 99% of people that have been tested for the virus have came back all clear, Downing Street has said.
The Department of Health said that a total of 6,536 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the UK as of Monday, with 6,527 returning as negative.
Italy has the largest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Europe, with 150+ infected and 5 dead.
When asked about the severity of the situation and how prepared we are as a country, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We will be led by the advice from public health and medical experts and will take steps which they feel are required to best protect the British public.”
“The risk to individuals “remains low” and 99% of those tested in the UK had come back negative”
He said: “We are well prepared for UK cases, we are using tried and tested procedures to prevent further spread and the NHS is extremely well prepared and used to managing infections.”
Not only are we fighting the virus in the UK, we are also helping less fortunate countries fight spreads of the virus abroad.
“We have supplied the Chinese government with 1,800 goggles, 430,000 disposable gloves, 194,000 sanitising wipes, 37,500 medical gowns and 2,500 facemasks,” a UK spokesperson has said.
According to the NHS the symptoms are as follows:
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How to avoid catching and spreading it:
Do
- 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
- wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- 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
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ for more information.
