People in Gedling borough are being urged to stock up on tissues and hand sanitiser as a public health ad campaign launches to try and contain the spread of coronavirus in the UK.
The Government-funded campaign, which was launched yesterday (February 2) includes public health advice on how people can protect themselves from infection.
Similar to the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign used for flu and norovirus, it will promote important hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our highly trained and experienced clinicians are working round the clock to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK. The Government has detailed plans for how to deal with an outbreak like this. We can all play our part.
“Lots of people are asking what they can do to help stop the spread of the virus. Basic hygiene such as washing our hands regularly and using tissues when we cough and sneeze can play an important role in minimising the spread of viruses like this. We have now launched a UK-wide advertising campaign to help the public protect themselves and each other.
“While two cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, our world-class NHS is well prepared to manage these types of incidents. We are doing everything we can to protect the public.”
The adverts advise the public to:
- Always carry tissues with and use them to catch coughs and sneezes
- Bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash hands with soap and water, or use sanitiser gel
People who have travelled back from the Hubei province within the last 14 days are being asked to:
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu.
- Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the city
- If you are in Northern Ireland, call your GP.
Anyone who has travelled from anywhere else in China (not including Macao or Hong Kong) to the UK in the last 14 days and develops symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, should immediately self-isolate, even if symptoms are minor and call NHS111.
The UK is extremely well prepared for any potential outbreak of an infectious disease – we are one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus.
Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild. For further information on coronavirus, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
