Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of COVID-19 to appear.

The main symptoms to look out for are:

• a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry

• shortness of breath

• breathing difficulties

• fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chills

If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. Your GP will organise a test.

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. To infect you, it must get from an infected person's nose or mouth into your eyes, nose or mouth. This can be direct or indirect (on hands, objects, surfaces). Keep this in mind. It will help you remember all the things you need to do to protect yourself and others from the virus.

It is so important to wash your hands properly and frequently. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and rinse. Dry your hands on a clean towel or paper towel.

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. But many of the symptoms of coronavirus can be treated at home. Take any medication you are already taking as usual, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional.

Most people who catch coronavirus will experience mild symptoms. They should make a full recovery without needing to go to hospital. If your symptoms get worse and you feel very unwell you may need to go to hospital.

To help slow the spread of coronavirus, we need to keep our Social Distance. We can do this by minimising contact between potentially infected individuals and healthy individuals. Avoid close contact with people - keep 2 metres (6.5 feet) between you and others. Avoid crowded places, especially indoors.