Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

The Common Ground Health Team have been asked about COVID-19 and Camp so we have the following public health information from UK authorities.

The important thing is that the risk to individuals in the UK is considered low.

Because The World Health Organisation have declared this a public health emergency of international concern, in the UK this risk is classified as moderate risk to the public. This permits the UK government to plan for all eventualities.

A coronavirus is a type of virus. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing breathing difficulties. Generally coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

As of 20/2/20 there had been 9 cases confirmed in the UK.

The UK is well prepared to care for patients with suspected COVID-19, with preparedness plans linking health teams. A reminder for all campers on how to avoid catching or spreading germs both now and at camp:

Do:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser if soap and water unavailable.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Don’t:

• Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Catch it, bin it, kill it! – HM Government

Based on advice from Leeds Hospitals IPCT/ ID