Coronavirus

Local people are being reassured that the NHS in Swindon, along with Public Health England, is extremely well prepared to manage any potential local outbreak of Coronavirus.

Measures are in place to ensure the safety of all patients and staff, while also ensuring services continue as normal.

While the current risk to the general public from Coronavirus has been raised to moderate, most people do not need to alter their day-to-day activities.

However, there is specific advice to follow for people who, in the last 14 days, have travelled to the UK from any of the following countries: 

• China
• Thailand
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Macau

Any person who has travelled to China, or any of the places listed above, in the last 14 days and develops symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, should immediately:

• Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu
• Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country

Testing of suspected Coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict regulations and this means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of the hospital and returned home in isolation.

Any equipment that comes into contact with suspected cases is 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.

Like the common cold, Coronavirus infection occurs through close contact with a person already infected, usually through coughing, sneezing or hand contact.

A person can also be infected by not washing their hands after touching contaminated surfaces.

The risk of being in close contact with a person with Coronavirus or contaminated surfaces is very low at the current time, as members of the public who have visited the affected areas of China are currently in isolation.

Advice from Public Health England 

• 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.

The latest information and advice from Public Health England is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.