How to prevent and avoid coronavirus
COVID-19 has rampaged across the world infecting more than 100 countries and killing thousands.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself - and loved ones - from the virus, if you follow the official advice.
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Can I avoid catching coronavirus?
Several experts and health professionals have published advice on how to avoid the coronavirus.
The prime minister, Boris Johnson on March 16, urged Brits to avoid social gatherings such as the pub, theatres and cinemas.
Other social distancing advice includes people being urged to keep a distance of one metre between each other at all times.
This is to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, which has so far infected 1950 and killed 69 people in the UK.
Also, the government has warned against all but essential travel, as the world battles with the virus.
What's the best way to prevent spreading the disease?
The NHS has outlined guidelines to follow in order not to spread the disease.
Washing hands for 20 seconds kills the virus and prevents it from spreading onto surfaces.
Here are some tips to avoid the spread of the disease:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often for 20 seconds
- Wash your hands upon getting home or into work
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with sanitiser gel
- Clean surfaces before use
- Avoid all bus essential public transport trips
- Work from home if you can
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid contact with people who show symptoms
More on coronavirus
Who is the most at risk of catching coronavirus?
The government has released a list of people who are mostly at risk of catching coronavirus.
These include:
- People over 70, regardless of health condition
- Pregnant women
- People with respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- Those suffering from chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- Individuals with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- Those with sickle cell disease
- People living with diabetes
- Those with a weakened immune system asa result of conditions such as HIV ands AIDS
- Being seriously overweight also puts you at risk
The government also highlighted other individuals who are at an even greater risk of catching the disease. These include:
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- People who have received organ transplants.
- People with severe chest conditions are also at a greater risk of the coronavirus.
- Those with severe diseases such as kidney disease.
- People living with cancer of the blood such as leukemia or bone marrow.
According to the government, the above mentioned people must go into self isolation.