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DS Risk Warning: Health

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DS Risk Warning: Health

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Hello all,

It is apparent, from the emails and calls received from you, that you won't escape anything from worrying disengagement from the issues around Coronavirus through to total overreaction and panic.

The World Health Organisation has now declared a Global Health Emergency. The WHO declares a Public Health Emergency of International Concern when there is "an extraordinary event which is determined… to constitute a public health risk to other states through the international spread of disease". It has previously declared five global public health emergencies: 

"The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The concern is that it could spread to countries with weaker health systems.

At least 213 people in the China have died from the virus, mostly in Hubei, with almost 10,000 cases nationally. The WHO said there had been 98 cases in 18 other countries, but no deaths. Most international cases are in people who had been to Wuhan in Hubei. However in eight cases - in Germany, Japan, Vietnam and the United States - patients were infected by people who had travelled to China.

China has also introduced port-of-exit screening so people already exhibiting symptoms are not allowed to leave the country.

Britain has raised its risk level to MODERATE from LOW. People who fly into airports here from affected areas are being checked out. Those being repatriated from Wuhan will be isolated on their return on the unlikely risk analysis that they may have the virus but not yet be displaying symptoms.

The advice remains for others returning from/coming here from China to self isolate for 14 days. You should seek reassurance that has happened in any cases applicable to you. The advice on the Public Health England website follows. Beware common sense is mentioned. As you know I rant that there is no such thing!:

We are asking people to take simple, common-sense steps to avoid close contact with other people as much as possible, like they would with other flu viruses. This means remaining at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan and not going to work, school or public areas. Where possible, you should avoid having visitors to your home, but it’s ok for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food.

Transport
You should not use public transport or taxis until 14 days after your return from Wuhan.

Getting food and medicine
We recommend that you stay at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan, and avoid public places. Where possible, contact a friend, family member or delivery services to carry out errands on your behalf.

Taking children to school
We recommend that you stay at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan, and avoid public places. Where possible, contact a friend or family member to take your children to school.

DS say this seems to be written on the basis the children haven't returned from there. If they have the advice is applicable to them.

Why the advice has changed
This is an evolving situation and the advice has changed based on emerging information from China about the number of cases and spread of the infection from person to person.

This is a highly precautionary measure to limit the potential spread of infection.

If you develop symptoms
If you develop a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or difficulty breathing, you should continue to follow the advice above. Please do not leave your home until you have been given advice by a clinician.

Travel advice
Please visit the Foreign Office site: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

More as we see it will follow.

Bill

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