The Coronavirus in Yorkshire

Many people are understandably concerned with their health at the moment. With the Coronavirus making headlines across the world and the number of UK cases slowly rising. At time of writing, there have been 578 deaths health officials have confirmed, with 11,658 confirmed cases in the UK. Many of which were reported across the North East and Yorkshire. Other cases are still being investigated. But why is there so much concern about this virus? And what is being done to stop it from spreading?

What is the Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus is a respiratory disease that is causing concern because it has not been encountered before. Symptoms include coughing, high temperature and shortness of breath. Though just because you show any of these symptoms does not mean that you have the disease. As these symptoms are common with other illnesses like the common cold or the flu. In severe cases, the virus may cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, multiple organ failure and death.

What Are Officials Doing?

UK health officials have started with the second stage (“Delay”) of the government’s four-part plan for dealing with the virus. The “Delay” phase’s early stage is similar to that of the initial “Contain” phase. Many county areas are beginning to formulate their own plans for how to deal with the illness and its social effects and initiating ‘lock downs’ such as the UK.

What Can You Do?

• Washing your hands with soap and water often (particularly after arriving into work or arriving home)
• Covering your mouth, and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (rather than hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Immediately disposing of used tissues and washing your hands afterward
• Avoiding close contact with people who are ill
• Not touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands

For more information on the Coronavirus please visit the NHS website. And if you have any concerns about your health then be sure to use the NHS 111 service. Stay safe.