Coronavirus has been branded the “worst public health crisis for a generation” by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson today. Speaking at a press conference, the PM went on so that “many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time”. His chilling words mark the beginning of the government’s move from “contain” to “delay”.
Seven day self-isolation protects elderly and helps to reduce the rate of transmission, explained the Chief Medical Officer.
It can also buy precious time to develop countermeasures, he said.
The seven day logic is because infected people have been shown to demonstrate a safe level of recovery after this period of time, noted the public health official.
In the meantime, there are a number of hygiene tips you should follow to reduce the risk of catching and spreading virus.
The pathogen is believed to have been transmitted from a bat but specific details are yet to be confirmed.
Because it’s a new illness, it is not known exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets, however.
Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Generally, coronavirus 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.
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You’ll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
