Boris Johnson along with Chief Medical and Scientific Advisers has announced the following as the ‘delay’ phase of dealing with Coronavirus is invoked.
The aim is to delay the peak of the disease to allow the NHS to cope.
Aim is to protect vulnerable and elderly during the most dangerous period expected to be ‘some weeks away’
Main points:
– School trips abroad not advised
– Flu-like symptoms, fever or cough – advice to individuals is to self-isolate for at least seven days.
– Those over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises.
– Government is considering banning major sporting events. This is still under discussion – more to come shortly on this [ said the Prime Minister ] and when and if it will happen.
– NOT closing schools now – could do more harm than good.
Chief Medical Officer adds:
– We’re stopping the ‘contain’ phase today.
– Cannot emphasise the power of washing your hands
– If you have a temperature and / or a new cough / flu-like symptoms – stay at home for seven days – because it helps to protect older or vulnerable people, it helps to slow the arrival of peak, and the gravity of peak – to allow the NHS to cope.
– Why is it seven days? Virus seems to have maximum transmission and infectiousness for seven days. People with minor symptoms can spread the virus to a lot of people.
