DCC and Devon Association of Local Councils are reminding everyone that good hygiene is the best prevention against coronavirus (COVID 19) and there are some simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and their family. These include washing hands regularly and thoroughly and covering mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing and disposing of the tissue bin.

Whilst we can expect more cases in the coming days and weeks, the risk to the general public remains low.  The County Council will continue to work with health colleagues and all our partners to do everything they can to stop the virus spreading and keep people in Devon safe.

Find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you’re a returning traveller, and what the government is doing about the virus: 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

 

What is coronavirus and should I be concerned?
Find out more here: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

Advice for home isolation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-self-isolation-for-patients-undergoing-testing/advice-sheet-home-isolation

3rd March 2020

We understand from Public Health England (PHE) that all close contacts of those infected will be traced and given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact.

PHE also advise that if anyone has recently been to one of the affected areas (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#returning-travellers) and is feeling unwell, they should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away rather than go to the doctor or a hospital.

Detailed guidance from PHE and the NHS includes Frequently Asked Questions – https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/ 

More generally, we can also help by reminding everyone that good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and their family. These include washing hands regularly and thoroughly and covering mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing and disposing of the tissue in the bin.

Whilst we can expect more cases in the coming days and weeks, the risk to the general public remains low. The County Council will continue to work with health colleagues and all our partners to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and keep people in Devon safe.