PEOPLE should now stay at home for seven days if they have even mild cough or fever symptoms, the government said today.
The new advice reflects the government this afternoon stepping up its response to the coronavirus, which now has 590 confirmed UK cases.
They include seven in Coventry and Warwickshire – including 3 in the city – but none in Solihull.
The government today officially upgraded its response to the global pandemic from the ‘containment’ to the ‘delay’ stage. This means they want to delay the peak of what is regarded to be the virus’s inevitable spread across communities.
A special meeting of the government’s Cobra committee concluded today with other measures being considered – including the potential for school closures, and banning or postponing gatherings including at sporting events.
The government’s online guidance this afternoon changed to outline the new rules for “self-isolation” in the event of symptoms.
Its www.gov.uk website states: “The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
new continuous cough, and/or high temperature
high temperature
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection
It continues..
“Key messages
“If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
this action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious.
plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible.
sleep alone, if that is possible.
wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water.
stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible.
you do not need to call NHS111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.”
The website also contains full advice on what to do at home and how to deal with work should you have to self-isolate.
The full advice can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
