We recognise that advice is changing very rapidly in response to measures to help mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus. It is important people stay up to date on what is currently being advised from the official NHS sites and we would advise you to follow these links for the most current advice as it may change faster than our blog. It is essential you read the guidance on these sites if you suspect you may have the coronavirus as things change quickly in relation to the advice offered, who to contact and when:
What is the coronavirus?
A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. This strain, covid-19, is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in January 2020.
What are the symptoms?
The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has covid-19 infection:
What to do if you are worried
The latest advice and developments on the covid-19 situation can be found on the GOV.UK website also on www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus.
Preventing the spread of infection
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Use a household cleaner that is active against viruses and bacteria, clean all surfaces every day such as:
Follow the instructions on the product label and check they can be used on the surface being cleaned. Wash hands with soap and water after cleaning surfaces and handling clothing and bedding. You should wash laundry using the highest temperature setting indicated on the garment care label. Waste disposed of as usual but avoid putting hands into bins to empty them if they have used hankies in them.
Generally, infections can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. See below for resources from charities for different groups.
What does self-isolation mean?
People who are self-isolating should remain at home and should not go to work, school or public areas.
The more informed we are of the facts, the less anxious we can become, the more we know things we can do, the more in control we feel, which again can make us less anxious. There are a lot of people working hard to try and mitigate the impact of this virus here in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, we can all play a part by being a little more careful not to spread infection, to wash our hands and surfaces regularly and to retain a sense of balance and kindness to each other. A little kindness can go a long way in helping reduce suffering in most situations.
Useful links
The Government's new Coronavirus action plan (www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan.
Coronavirus support for employees, benefit claimants and businesses. - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses.
Universal Credit and Coronavirus - This link may be useful if you want to know more about self-isolating for the coronavirus if you are on Universal Credit. The key thing to remember is, you need to inform your job coach online or by phone as soon as possible to avoid being sanctioned.- www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
What does social distancing mean? - https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/03/04/coronavirus-covid-19-what-is-social-distancing/
RSPCA How to care for your pets if you need to you are ill or need self-isolate - www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/blogs/details/-/articleName/how-to-care-for-your-pets-if-you-re-ill-or-have-to-self-isolate-due-to-coronavirus
Travel advise abroad
The FCO website offers the latest information. www.gov.uk/guidance/how-the-foreign-commonwealth-office-puts-together-travel-advice
Looking after your mental health
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak
Checklist for community organisations
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/checklist.html
A report produced by a charity working with people who are homeless
www.homeless.org.uk/connect/blogs/2020/mar/05/covid-19-coronavirus-outbreak
To keep updated with category 1 and 2 areas visit - www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas-with-implications-for-returning-travellers-or-visitors-arriving-in-the-uk