Epilogue 17th March

As of the 16th March, the total number of people in the UK to test positive for the virus rose by 171 in a day to a total of 1,543. The death toll is 55. Whilst in Italy, the worst-affected nation outside China – where the virus originated – has more than 25,000 cases and has suffered more than 2,000 deaths. The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced new measures to try and manage the situation. These are as follows https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51920444,

 Everyone should avoid gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres
 Everyone should work from home if they can
 All “unnecessary” visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease
 People should only use the NHS “where we really need to” – and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice on the NHS website where possible
 By next weekend, those with the most serious health conditions must be “largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks”
 If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever, everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days
 Those people should, if possible, avoid leaving the house “even to buy food or essentials” – but they may leave the house “for exercise and, in that case, at a safe distance from others”
 Schools will not be closed for the moment

Under the guidance, people who should be “particularly stringent” in minimising their social contact are:
 People over the age of 70
 Other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine (such as those with chronic diseases)
 Pregnant women

How much has changed in 14 days….The fight continues…