Last night the government updated advice on the coronavirus situation in the UK. Here is what you need to know.
Anyone who has a new and persistent cough or a high temperature is being asked to self-isolate at home for seven days. It’s possible that these are mild symptoms of coronavirus and you do not need to ring 111 for advice unless your condition dramatically worsens.
Testing for COVID-19 is no longer happening for people in isolation, only in hospitals.
Schools have been advised to cancel planned trips abroad, and people aged over 70 and those with pre-existing health conditions have been told not to go on cruises.
The future
Government advisors are working on the assumption that the peak of infection might not arrive in Britain for up to three months’ time.
It’s thought that stricter self-isolation guidelines could come into place soon, such as if one household member becomes ill, everyone living with them may be asked to stay home for 14 days.
It’s also thought that more social contact advice will come into play as the epidemic reaches its peak, with the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions told to stay at home and cut social contact for protection.
How to self-isolate
Public Health England has given the following advice for anyone who needs to self-isolate