Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) briefing no. 2 for public and staff, 31.1.2020

Public Health Team, Barnet Council

Update on coronavirus outbreak

Two people from the same family have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK by this morning. They are being treated at a NHS facility. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK public from low to moderate. This permits the government to plan for all eventualities.

At Barnet Council, we would like to reassure our residents and staff that we are working closely with Public Health England (PHE) to monitor the outbreak of Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) globally and locally and will keep updating you accordingly.

We strongly advise to seek information only from reliable sources. The situation is changing fast and further guidance is being prepared. You can access updated information from following sources:

• DHSC is updating information on daily basis at 2pm until further notice here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
• PHE has published a Q&A blog: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
• The Foreign Office’s advice on travel to and from China is available here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

Advice for all residents

Since there is currently no vaccine to prevent infection, the best way to do so is to avoid exposure to this virus.

At Barnet Public Health, we would recommend following usual winter season preventative measures, as they reduce the spread of other respiratory viruses as well:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Stay at home when you are sick;
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then bin the tissue. If tissue is not available, cough and sneeze in your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects such as keyboard.

For any queries and further information, contact: PublicHealth@barnet.gov.uk