Two and a Half Weeks of Covid-19

It's less than 2 1/2 weeks since we published advice on how to get information about Covid-19. Much has happened since then. Covid-19 has spread rapidly.

On March 3rd 2020, we reported that testing had shown 51 positive cases of Covid-19 infection. By March 21st 2020 this number was 5,018 and growing day-by-day. This number is a result of testing those with severe symptoms. The total number of cases is likely to be many more as often the symptoms are not severe but still transmittable in a way dangerous to older and vulnerable people.

Expert advice and government measures have been ramping up over this short timescale. The big picture is:

"Total Self-Isolation" where you have no direct contact with others. This will avoid infection. You should be prepared to keep this up until the virus is brought under control (likely to be many months we are told). This measure is currently directed at over 70 year olds and vulnerable people of all ages.

"Social Distancing" is where you avoid all unnecessary contact with other people outside your home and keep a distance of two metres between you and other people. This does not guarantee that you will avoid Covid-19 but it will reduce the risk of getting it and passing it on. This strong advice is for everyone.

Why is this virus so dangerous? The expert view of worldwide data is that 1% of people who contract the disease are likely to die. This percentage is higher for people over 70 and younger people with underlying health issues.

To illustrate the point, 1% of 10 million is 100,000. What you do to limit the spread of the virus saves lives. If we all follow the guidelines, it will save many lives.

Currently there is no natural immunity and no vaccine. At the moment the only weapons we have are self-isolation, social distancing and hygiene, particularly hand-washing with soap. Intensive care in the NHS will be swamped unless we all employ these three weapons.

Because the situation is changing day by day, you probably want up-to-date information. The official government sources are:

GOV.UK Covid-19 Information and Advice Click Here

This page directs you to a multitude of information and advice including NHS and Public Health. In particular you might like to go to:

GOV.UK What You Need To Do about Coronavirus Click Here