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28th February 2020

The NHS in London and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

The risk to the general public is moderate. Follow the specific advice for returning travellers from NHS England below:

 
Category 1 countries

Category 2 countries
  • Wuhan city and Hubei Province (China)
  • Iran*
  • Daegu or Cheongdo (Republic of Korea)*
  • Any Italian town under containment measures*
  • returning on or after 19th February 2020
 Cambodia China* Hong Kong Italy: north* (defined by a line above, and not including, Pisa, Florence and Rimini) Japan Laos Macau Malaysia Myanmar Republic of Korea* Singapore Taiwan Thailand Vietname *returning on or after 19th February 2020
No symptoms: Action: self-isolate and call NHS111 No symptoms: No action required
With symptoms: Action: self-isolate and call NHS111 With symptoms: Action: self-isolate and call NHS111
   
NB If a person has had contact with known positive case of coronavirus, regardless of any travel, they must self-isolate and call NHS111  

 

If you feel you may have been infected Do not go to a GP surgery or hospital , but call 111 for advice, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

Further information is available on gov.uk/coronavirusand nhs.uk.

Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.

Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict regulations. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of a hospital and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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