Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Background
In late December 2019 a new (novel) coronavirus was identified in China causing severe respiratory disease including pneumonia.
The virus causing the infection has been named - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) this is a new strain of coronavirus causing COVID-19.
Since 19 March COVID-19 is no longer categorised as a High Consequence Infections Disease (HCID) in the UK, see Public Health England for more information.
SARS-CoV-2 infections are spreading between people globally; see the WHO situation reports dashboard which is updated daily and the John Hoskins university dashboard which aims to present real time data uploads. The situation was declared a pandemic on 12th March 2020.
As a newly identified virus there is currently no human immunity to it and no vaccine is available to prevent infection. As a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective treatment.
Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a common family of viruses and one of the main causes of the common cold. In general, most infected people will present with mild to moderate respiratory like symptoms, see the WHO information. Those with underlying illness and co morbidity are the most seriously affected requiring hospitalisation and Intensive care.
Other examples of Coronavirus include MERS Co-V and SARS both of which have prompted global collaboration to reduce spread between people and to protect healthcare workers.
Current situation
It is a fast-moving evolving situation and as with any new strain of virus, the guidance for healthcare workers and health and social care services is being developed and updated frequently. This reflects the need to take a view of the global situation as well as the situation across the UK. Alongside a growing understanding of the infection risk of this new virus; incubation time, infectiousness and severity of the infection.
All nursing and midwifery staff, including, nursing associates, and healthcare support workers, must familiarise themselves with their local policies on emergency planning, infection prevention and control. They should also keep up to date with national guidance issued by the UK governments and relevant UK Public Health agencies.
UK Coronavirus response
The UK Coronavirus action plan sets out the UK plans and actions for managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The exact response to the outbreak will reflect the nature, scale and location of infection as the situation develops and healthcare workers are advised to look on the links to the guidance to make sure they are accessing the most up to date information.
Public information campaign
The Department of Health and Social Care public information campaign including the importance of handwashing and other measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
See: Coronavirus (COVID-19): campaign information and resources.
For health protection advice, contact your local health protection team:
- Find your local health protection team in England
- Health Protection Scotland: enquiries
- Health Select Committee Northern Ireland health protection
- Public Health Wales: contact us
Information for the public; what to do if you have symptoms, patients who are concerned should be advised to contact NHS 111
The following provide more detailed advice for the public across the UK:
Information for the public; including stay at home advice for people who are self-isolating, from the NHS
- NHS advice: Overview of COVID-19
- NHS Scotland Inform advice for professionals in health or care settings
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