COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (2019-NCOV))
The advice offered is the current advice on 12/2/20. This is basic information to help prevent infection and spread of the infection. Circumstances are changing rapidly, and the latest advice should always be sought. See https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
Advice for travellersTravellers should take precautions in order to minimise the risk of transmission including:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or a disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing, before handling and consuming food.
- Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues carefully and promptly.
- Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and avoid sharing personal items.
- Avoid visiting live bird and animal markets, backyard or commercial poultry farms and do not touch wild or domestic birds (alive or dead).
- Avoid any contact with animals, birds or surfaces that may be contaminated with animal or bird droppings.
- Do not eat or handle undercooked or raw meat including poultry, egg or duck dishes.
- There is no vaccine against this novel coronavirus/Covid-19.
- Public Health England recommends against using masks outside clinical settings. Should you decide to use a mask, you should ensure you continue to use all the recommended precautions in order to minimise the risk of transmission.
- Travellers should be aware that direct flights inbound to the UK from China may be subject to enhanced monitoring, including measures to provide advice to travellers if they feel unwell.
- Several countries have announced restrictions on entry by travellers from China in response to the outbreak. Travellers should check the latest FCO travel advice (including entry requirements) for their destination and check with their airline/tour operator before travel.
- Risk to the UK population travelling to China, is considered to be moderate. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to Hubei province, China and it advises against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). Further information is available from the FCO. Please ensure you keep up to date with changing advice as this is a developing situation.
On return
All travellers from Wuhan or Hubei Province, whether you have symptoms or not should self-isolate for 14 days after your return. Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu. If you have symptoms you should call:
NHS 111 (England and Wales) Public Health Agency 0300 200 7885 (Northern Ireland) Your GP or NHS24 111 (Scotland)
If you have been in mainland China, (excluding Wuhan or Hubei Province) Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand, and do not have symptoms, you do not need to self-isolate. However, if you develop symptoms, you should self-isolate and call:
NHS 111 (England and Wales) Public Health Agency 0300 200 7885 (Northern Ireland) Your GP or NHS24 111 (Scotland)