This week, coronavirus cases in the UK hit 15, raising widespread panic about the spread of the virus.
If you live in the UK, you may be concerned about areas with lots of people, whether it’s a festival , concert, or even public transport.
To help put your fears to rest, the NHS has provided helpful information about attending places with large crowds.
On its website, the NHS has a handy list of people who should avoid these events – and it’s good news if you’ve not been travelling in recent weeks.
It explained: “The only people who need to stay away from public places are people who have been:
– to Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
– to Iran, areas of northern Italy in lockdown or “special care zone” areas in South Korea since 19 February
– to other parts of mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
– to other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
– in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus
“Otherwise, you should continue to go to work or school as normal.”
(Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, speaking to Mirror Online, Dr Claudia Pastides, a doctor with Babylon Health, explained that taking public transport should be safe, as long as you’re careful.
She explained: “Whenever you are in close contact with other people for a period of time, your risk of catching an infection is increased. This doesn’t just apply to coronavirus but to many other viruses and bacteria too.
“However, as far as we currently know, coronavirus is spread by infected people coughing or sneezing out virus-filled droplets.
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“So if people cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, instead of using their bare hands and then touching their infected hands against surfaces on the bus or underground – the risk of spreading the infection will be reduced.”
Dr Pastides added that while washing your hands when you’re out and about can be tricky, hand sanitiser can be a great temporary measure.
She added: “If you make sure to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, you’re less likely to carry the virus on your hands and transmit it into your body via the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose or mouth.
“Hand sanitiser can be very handy in these situations as it is easier to use when out and about to clean your hands with.”
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