Coronavirus response in Southampton
Has the deadly Coronavirus reached Southampton, NHS Paramedics were last night called to the Mayflower Halls Student accommodation after a resident upon returning from China become unwell. The paramedics on site were seen in protective clothing to deal with the Student. An Email was sent to Residents in the Halls stating the student returned to halls without visiting campus, but felt “unwell.” The student in question has been taken to Southampton General Hospital for immediate tests as a “precautionary measure The student has since been discharged, but will remain in isolation, the University confirmed today. The university has also been stated to have spoken to the student’s flatmates, and they have agreed to stay isolated until local health services have given them the all clear. The university stated that the communal areas of the student’s flat have been “deep cleaned”, as well as the lifts the student might have used. NHS say: Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans. The risk of getting the illness in the UK is low. Advice to travellers returning from China Travellers returning from Wuhan and Hubei Province If you have returned from Wuhan or Hubei Province in the last 14 days: stay indoors and avoid contact with other people call NHS 111 to tell them of your recent travel to the city If you are in Northern Ireland, call a GP. Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus. If you get a cough, a high temperature, or you feel short of breath, continue to follow this advice. Do not leave your house without getting advice from a doctor. Travellers returning from other parts of China If you’ve returned from other areas of China (but not Hong Kong or Macao) in the last 14 days, and get a cough or fever, or you feel short of breath: stay indoors and avoid contact with other people call NHS 111 to tell them of your recent travel to China If you are in Northern Ireland, call a GP. Please follow this advice even if your symptoms are mild. What this means in practice This means staying at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan or Hubei Province (or other parts of China if you have symptoms) and not going to work, school or public areas. Try to avoid having visitors to your home, but it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food. While the risk to the UK population remains low, these steps are recommended to limit the potential spread of infection. Transport Do not use public transport or taxis until 14 days after your return from Wuhan or Hubei Province (or other parts of China if you have symptoms). Getting food and medicine Stay at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan or Hubei Province (or other parts of China if you have symptoms), and avoid public places. Ask a friend, family member or delivery services to carry out errands on your behalf. Taking children to school Stay at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan or Hubei Province (or other parts of China if you have symptoms), and avoid public places. Ask a friend or family member to take your children to school. If your children are well and have not been in Wuhan or Hubei Province, there is no need for them to stay off school. What is the risk of catching coronavirus in the UK? The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. But the risk to individuals remains low. Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus. The Chief Medical Officer for England has made a statement about cases in the UK. Symptoms of coronavirus Symptoms usually include: a cough a high temperature difficulty breathing How is coronavirus spread between people? Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person, but similar viruses spread by cough droplets. Treatment for coronavirus There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms. More to follow.
