Coronavirus (Covid-19) is worrying for many people. I feel that myself, professionally and personally.
I want to reassure my constituents that the simple, sensible thing to do is to follow public health advice. Please see below for the latest updates, with more specific information in the links to the left.
If you have any further queries, please contact anthony.browne.mp@parliament.uk.
Anthony Browne MP
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LATEST ADVICE:
What can I do that I couldn’t do before?
Face coverings must be worn in additional enclosed public spaces from 24 July in England, as the government takes further steps to help curb the spread of the virus. Members of the public will need to wear some kind of face covering such a mask, fabric covering, scarf or bandana – that covers the nose and mouth in additional enclosed public spaces, as well as frequent hand washing and careful social distancing.
- Face coverings will be mandatory in additional enclosed public spaces from Friday 24 July – including shops, supermarkets, shopping centres, and transport hubs
- New measure an important step in lifting lockdown, as the public are encouraged to play their part
- Venues such as restaurants, pubs and gyms will be exempt
It will be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to take away from cafes and shops. If you are in a premises where you are able to sit down and consume food or drink that you have bought, then you can remove your face covering in order to eat and drink on-site.
Face coverings will not be mandatory for:
- anyone under the age of 11
- those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering
There is evidence to suggest that, when used correctly, face coverings may reduce the likelihood of someone with the infection passing it on to others, particularly if they are asymptomatic.
Information about coronavirus - COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a ‘type’ of virus. The coronavirus we are all hearing about is called COVID-19.
How serious is COVID-19?
The evidence shows us that the vast majority of people who get this virus have relatively mild symptoms and make a full recovery. But in a small percentage of cases, the virus can cause more severe symptoms. This is particularly true for people with a weakened immune system, for older people and for those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
A lot of false information about this virus is being shared - it’s very important that you make sure that the information you use comes from a trusted source - all of the information on this page has been sourced from the NHS.
How can you avoid getting and spreading the virus?
Scientists are not yet 100% certain about how this virus spreads but it's likely it's via droplets from coughs and sneezes. The virus spreads easily and can stay on surfaces, it's possible that a lot of us will get it and be affected by it, but if you follow the advice below you will reduce your risk and the risk to others.
- Clean hands - wash hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds. Do this before leaving home and after returning home, before eating and drinking, and after coughing or sneezing
- Cover your mouth and nose - with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze - tissue in the bin and wash, or disinfect, your hands immediately
- Don't touch your face - keep your hands away from your face - especially your eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean surfaces - disinfect surfaces around you - especially mobiles, computers, keyboards, worktops, desks, handles...
- Avoid ill people - stay away from people who have symptoms
What are the symptoms?
If you are infected you may have very minor symptoms, minor symptoms or more severe symptoms, but the NHS cites three symptoms to look out for:
- A new continuous cough
- A fever or high temperature
- Loss of taste or smell
What should I do if I have either of the above symptoms?
Isolate yourself
- Stay at home - this means not going out at all - do this even if you think your symptoms are mild.
- stay at home for seven days if living alone or 14 days if living with others.
- If you live with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms you should also stay at home for 14 days.
- Ask for help - if you're finding it hard to stay at home - text, email, phone, friends, family, employers or your local community to get help - but they mustn't come into your home
- Keep your distance - keep 2 metres (around 3 steps) away from others - including family.
- Sleep alone - if you can sleep alone you must - it will help ensure people you live with aren't infected
- Keep washing your hands - often and for 20 seconds with soap and water helps minimise the spread
- Drink plenty of fluids - and take everyday pain killers like paracetamol
- Keep cleaning - keeping surfaces clean helps minimise the spread
- Avoid people at risk - people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions are more likely to be affected help keep them safe