4th March 2020
Coronavirus Guidance Notes
You will no doubt be aware of the public outbreak of the coronavirus, with the UK risk rating being recently raised from ‘low’ to ‘moderate’. Therefore, we have produced this guidance to provide awareness of the best practice and current government guidance about the virus and its symptoms – including the current situation in the UK.
As per current government guidance – the single and most effective infection control tool to use is to ensure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing, and throw tissues in the bin.
Travel – Category 1 Risk Areas
Travellers who have returned from or travelled through a Category 1 risk area risk area should self-isolate at home for 14 days after return to the UK while asymptomatic. If symptoms develop immediately contact your GP or NHS 24 (111).
Travel – Category 2 Risk Areas
Travellers who have returned from or travelled through a Category 2 risk area can go about their normal activities. If symptoms develop immediately contact your GP or NHS 24 (111).
Symptoms and what to do
You should look for any of the following symptoms in the 14 days after the day you return from specified countries and areas:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fever (a temperature of 38 degrees C or higher)
If you have any of these symptoms, you should:
- If you are unwell, but it is not an emergency, call NHS 111 and tell them which country you have returned from in the last 14 days
- If it is an emergency, call 999 and tell them which country you have returned from in the last 14 days
Whilst you await further advice from NHS 111:
- Avoid contact with others
- Stay at home, do not attend work or school do not travel while sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Throw tissues in the bin.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
What to do if you are at work:
- People who have returned from Category 1 specified countries and areas should not attend work for 14 days after their arrival.
- Find a room where you can isolate yourself away from others and shut the door. If it’s possible to open a window, do so for ventilation. If you need to go to the bathroom whilst waiting for medical assistance, use a separate bathroom if available. See below link for advice on cleaning workspaces.
- Call NHS 111, or 999 if an emergency (if you are seriously ill or injured or your life is at risk) and tell them which country you have returned from in the last 14 days.
Official Government advice is updated regularly. Click here for the latest information.
Government produced posters are also available via the following links for display in workplaces.
If you have any further queries call our Health and Safety Advice Line on 0845 459 1724.