Following concerns over UK cases of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, we want to reassure our patients that practices are open as usual
The NHS is well-prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases and has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.
High temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
New, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.
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
Wash your hands before eating and preparing food
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
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth