Boris Johnson addressed the nation by saying the “number of cases are much higher than we have so far confirmed with testing”. He continued “this disease is going to spread around the world and in our country. I must level with you, this is the worst public health crisis for a generation some people compare it with flu but alas this is far worse. Owing to lack of immunity this disease is going to spread widely. I must level with the British public more families are going to lose loved ones”.
So here is what you need to know, as of 7pm UK 12 March 10 people have died from the virus and they are now 590 cases. At present London has the highest number at 104 cases.
The coronavirus also known as COVID-19 can passed by person to person just by breathing the same air and touching contaminated surfaces. Apparently the virus can last up to 72 hours on surfaces everyone should carry on with good washing of hands and related personal hygiene measures, which include:
- Give your hands a good wash – it is the most effective action you can take. Use soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
The WHO now describe the global spread as a pandemic which does not come as a surprise but at the same time is not cause for concern, before it was just a “threat” or the “potential” for a pandemic. With cases in over a 100 countries, and increasing numbers not linked to travel, it is now a pandemic. Johnson spoke about trying to delay the peak of the virus so that the NHS and “our society is better to cope”. He stressed the most important task is to protect the vulnerable and elderly.
The most dangerous period he warned is weeks away.
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