With so much information being shared on the COVID-19 coronavirus we should all be using government advice to inform decisions and be checking that advice regularly. Please refer to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus for official guidance.

The government issued a press statement on 16th March advising social distancing for everyone in the UK, particularly those at increased risk of servere illness. This includes the following groups of people: 

• aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
  • chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
  • chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
  • diabetes
  • problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
  • a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
  • being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)
• those who are pregnant

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interacitions between people, helping to minimise the transition of Coronavirus (COVID 19). These measures are:

1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
3. Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
4. Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
6. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

You can read the full guidance on social distancing here.

The World Health Organisation has issued a report on protecting your mental health during the outbreak. Some of their recommendations inlude:

• Avoid watching, reading or listening to news that could cause you to feel anxious or distressed.
• Seek information mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones.
• Seek information updates at specific times.

You can read the full Mental Health Advice here.

As government advice is updated, we will reassess and communicate as soon as possible.