Popping up throughout the United Kingdom are “areas of concern”, where coronavirus is spreading faster than average. Bearing this in mind, how can you protect yourself from the notorious illness?
There have been five additional places added to the government’s COVID-19 watchlist.
These are: Leeds, Middlesbrough, Corby, Kettering, and South Tyneside – and local lockdowns are a possibility.
Moreover, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced there are “areas of enhanced support”.
Namely, these are Norfolk, Rossendale in Lancashire, and Northampton, that will see extra testing capabilities introduced.
This is in hope of combating the spread of COVID-19, as more people (in theory) would be self-isolating.
The NHS noted the three main symptoms of coronavirus are: a new continuous cough, a high temperature, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
However, there are cases where people are asymptomatic, meaning they show no signs of carrying the virus.
This is why it’s imperative to do all you can in your power to keep safe.
A report by The Independent stated that council officials in Leeds have warned residents not to take part in large gatherings or house parties.
The leader of Leeds City Council commented on the coronavirus data: “The city is rapidly approaching a tipping point.”
Face masks
John Hopkins Medicine supports the government advice to wear face masks in public places, such as supermarkets.
To wear a face mask effectively, it needs to “cover your face from the bridge of your nose to under your chin”.
Wearing a face mask enables infected people to stop spreading the virus to others.
Remember, some people will be unaware that they are carrying the virus. If everybody does their part and wears a mask, the chances of infection reduce.
“A mask helps contain small droplets that come out of your mouth and/or nose when you talk, sneeze or cough,” explained John Hopkins Medicine.
In addition, “a mask may protect you from larger droplets from people around you”.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recent studies indicate a significant portion of people who have COVID-19 don’t show symptoms, and the virus can spread before they realise they’re sick.
Hygiene matters
“Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick,” confirmed the CDC.
Wash your hands with soap and water after returning home from a public place, where you’ve touched shopping carts, electronic cashier screens or door handles.
Definitely try to refrain from touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands with soap and water.
Those touching points (eyes, nose, mouth) are avenues for coronavirus to enter your body.
This would either make you become ill and/or a carrier of coronavirus – either way you’ll be contagious.
It’ll also help to keep one-metre distance from people outside of your household.
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