We are so aware that there is lots of information being shared daily. Here is our guidance…
During the winter months, there is always a spike in cold and flu symptoms as well as Norovirus during this period, but this year there is the added threat of coronavirus.
Please see guidance and precautionary measures below to help avoid the spread of viruses.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
Coronaviruses (Covid-19) is a type of virus. This can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Most coronaviruses spread the same way other cold-causing viruses do: through infected people coughing and sneezing, by touching an infected person’s hands or face, or by touching things such as hand contact points that infected people have previously touched.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS?
The typical symptoms are flu-like and include:
Fever Cough Pneumonia Shortness in breath and breathing difficulties
The symptoms of coronavirus can be more severe in people with weakened immune symptoms.
HOW IS CORONAVIRUS SPREAD?
It is often spread person to person by being in close contact with someone with coronavirus. This is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar too how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. It’s currently unclear if a person can get coronavirus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. It is important to note that the ease with which a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious while other viruses are less so. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with coronavirus and investigations are still ongoing.
CURRENT GUIDANCE ON WHAT TO DO
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus and to implement everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, including: Good hand washing procedures throughout site using hot water, soap, disposable towel and hand sanitiser Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands Avoid close contact with people who are unwell Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of after Ensure contact points are regularly cleaned
We hope this helps.
