Coronavirus Outbreak: Key Health Information and Advice for Citizens of Cumbernauld

Following World Health Organisation’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Thursday 30 January 2020, Cumbernauld Community Health Information Hub summarises some key health advice and information for the people of Cumbernauld regarding the recent global coronavirus outbreak.

The information included in this article is based on the guidance of UK Government, NHS Scotland and Health Protection Scotland.

Novel coronavirus (also named COVID-19) is a newly discovered illness that can affect your lungs and airways. An epidemic of the virus is currently affecting mainland China, and there have been confirmed cases of the illness in 27 other countries to date, including several European countries.

With nine confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK (as at 13 February 2020), UK Chief Medical Officer has raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. As of 13 February 2020, there were no confirmed cases in Scotland from 106 individuals tested, and in this respect the risk in Scotland remains low.

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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS AND ITS PREVENTION

Since coronavirus was only first discovered in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, health professionals are still working to acquire a full understanding of the illness and its impact. As such, there is currently no vaccine for the condition.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath. Like many viruses, there is no specific treatment for coronavirus. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the infection. The seriousness of the virus is not fully known as yet and won’t be until further data is gathered, with early indications highlighting that the mortality rate of the virus is about 2%.

It is not known at this stage exactly how the virus spreads from person to person, although it is recognised that similar viruses spread through cough droplets. It is highly unlikely that coronavirus can be spread through packages from affected countries or through food.

The following general advice is provided by NHS Scotland to prevent the spread of germs and to minimise the low risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

Put used tissues in the bin straight away

Wash your hands with soap and water often, and use hand santiser gel if soap and water are not available

Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Despite the ongoing media coverage regarding the outbreak, all present information suggests that the risk to those living in Cumbernauld and Scotland as a whole is low.

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UNDERSTANDING IF YOU MAY BE AT RISK OF CORONOVIRUS AND WHAT TO DO IF SO  

Those most at risk of contracting coronavirus are identified as the following group of individuals:

People who have been to the Wuhan or Hubei Province of China in the last 14 days

People who have been 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)

People who have been 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)

Anyone who has been in close contact with someone confirmed with coronavirus.

If you fit one of the above categories, do not go to a GP surgery or a hospital. The advice given is to call NHS Scotland on 111 as soon as possible, to stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people. It is important that you tell 111 about any recent travel and the symptoms you have.

If there’s a chance you could have coronavirus, you may be asked by the NHS 111 attendant to isolate yourself. This means that for 14 days you should stay at home, not go to work, school or public areas, not use public transport or taxis, ask friends and family members to carry out errands for you and try to avoid visitors at your home where possible.

While the risk remains minimal, these steps can help reduce the possible spread of the virus.

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FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE IN RELATION TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK Government) is currently advising against all travel to Hubei Province in China, and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. As of 12 February 2020, there is no other advice against travelling to any other country or territory as a result of coronavirus.

Some airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have suspended flights to and from China, or revised their schedules. Other flights in the region may also be affected. If you’re due to travel on an affected route, keep up to date with the latest information from your travel company or airline.

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To keep informed and advised in relation to the coronavirus outbreak and its prevention, please visit the NHS website, which is updated on a daily basis to reflect latest information. Further general information about the virus and advice for foreign travellers is available and regularly updated on the UK government website.