COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called Coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause illnesses such as the common cold, to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS). The COVID-19 strain of Coronavirus is new and not previously known.

The source of the current outbreak hasn’t been confirmed yet but is being investigated. From the evidence available so far, it appears that human-to-human transmission is occurring.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of this Coronavirus include:

• fever (high temperature)
• cough
• shortness of breath
• respiratory symptoms (like those you have with a cold)
• breathing difficulties
• headaches

Call 111 now if you’ve been:

• to Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days (even if you do not have symptoms) • to other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong, in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)

• to Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)

• in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus. Do not go to a GP surgery, community pharmacy or hospital.

Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

We would request, those who have Coronavirus symptoms, to stay at home and follow the correct medical advice. If you have an appointment at our practice, you should contact our team to discuss this before coming to the practice.

Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

• a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
• a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly

We will update you with any development as they arise. More information is available HERE