Coronavirus

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What's the risk of coronavirus in the UK?

The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.

Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus.

What's the risk of coronavirus for travellers?

There are some countries and areas where there's a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.

See our coronavirus advice for travellers.

Symptoms of coronavirus

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 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.

Do I need to avoid public places?

Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.

You only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional.

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 straight away 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

Check if you need medical help

NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.

Use this service if:

you think you might have coronavirus
in the last 14 days you've been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see our coronavirus advice for travellers
you've been in close contact with someone with coronavirus

Use the 111 coronavirus service

Information:

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.

Regular updates will be sent via SZapp and published on the website in 'Letters Home'. School are following advice from Public Health England and the Department for Education (DfE).