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About coronavirus

What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals, but in the last few years several strains  have jumped to humans. COVID-19 is a new illness from this family that can affect your lungs and airways making it difficult to breathe.

What are the main symptoms?

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

  • High Temperature – this means you are hot to touch on your back or chest
  • Continuous Cough – this would be a new cough lasting longer than 48 hours

Find out more about the symptoms via the NHS website

How can I help prevent it?

We all have a role to play in preventing the illness from spreading. You should:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (try singing Happy Birthday twice!)
  • Wash your hands as soon as you re-enter your home
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (NOT HANDS) when you sneeze or cough
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands
  • DO NOT touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
  • Avoid close contact with anyone and keep a social distance at least 2 metres between you and other people.

What do I do if I start to feel unwell?

If you feel unwell, and you have flu-like symptoms PLEASE STAY AT HOME. It’s not very likely that you have COVID-19, but we also don’t want to spread any germs.

If you do have flu-like symptoms and you have been in close contact with someone who definitely has COVID-19, or have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to one of the affect regions, you should:

  • Stay at home and self-isolate
  • DO NOT go to your GP, Urgent Care Centre, or A&E
  • Call NHS 111

Please check your symptoms with the NHS 111 service

Coronavirus help