Coronavirus has killed 71 people so far in the UK resulting in Prime Minister Boris Johnson telling the nation they should practice 'social distancing', people over the age of 70 should self-isolate for 12 weeks, and should anyone with an underlying condition.
Here are the answers to the questions about coronavirus as asked by Mirror readers.
Q My elderly mum is feeling poorly and shows coronavirus symptoms. Can I help look after her?
A Yes, but there are very strict guidelines about protecting yourself and anyone else from infection. Eg: Keep three steps away and use a separate bathroom if you can.
Even visiting a healthy elderly relative, you should keep a bit more distance, preferably at least three feet, no kissing and hugging, sadly, and hand hygiene practices are incredibly important, says Caroline Abrahams of Age UK.
Visit http://www.gov.uk for more guidelines.
Q Can my partner and I still have sex?
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A Coronavirus is not sexually transmitted but the chance of contracting from an infected person is very high, specifically due to respiratory droplets being passed during kissing.
Q Can we hold a funeral that may attract a crowd?
A Government advice is to limit gatherings, so perhaps invite immediate family only. New guidelines are to come.
Q Is any hand sanitiser more effective than the rest?
A There are two main types: alcohol-based and alcohol-free. Alcohol-based kills most germs. Washing with warm water and soap remains the gold standard for preventing the spread of infections.
Q Do face masks help protect against coronavirus at all?
A The World Health Organisation says masks are only effective in fighting infectious diseases if used correctly and accompanied by regular and through hand-washing with an alcohol hand rub or soap and water.
The masks must cover the nose and mouth with no gaps, be disposed of safely and replaced if they become damp.
Q What are the latest guidelines on delaying the spread of coronavirus?
A 1 Household isolation: entire households are being asked to stay at home if one person among them is symptomatic.
2 Social distancing: to delay the spread, it is recommended that people work from home, limit their use of public transport and avoid unnecessary social gatherings.
3 Shielding, which is not yet in place. By the weekend, the Prime Minister has indicated that it will be necessary to go further than these measures to ensure those with the most significant health conditions, regardless of age, are shielded from contact for 12 weeks.
Q Might I have had coronavirus already and not know?
A Possibly. Some people who tested positive reported very few symptoms.
Q How likely am I to recover from coronavirus?
A At least 52 people are known to have recovered from the disease in the UK, according to figures from Public Health England. However, the true number of people who have recovered from the virus will be higher.
More than 79,000 people around the world have recovered from Covid-19, out of 182,000 confirmed cases of the disease.
Q How long is the coronavirus pandemic expected to last? Should I cancel my summer travel plans?
A It was announced this week by Imperial College London researchers that drastic restrictions will be required for up to 18 months in order to save thousands of lives.
Britons have been advised against undertaking non-essential travel to anywhere in the world for 30 days. On Tuesday, the Foreign Office said anyone who decides they still need to travel abroad should be fully aware of the increased risks of doing so including the possibility of being stranded overseas if restrictions are put in place.
Q If I have symptoms, how do I get tested?
A The chief medical officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said only people who are patients at hospitals will be formally examined. Testing in hospitals will be carried out on patients who are suffering from respiratory problems and this will probably be extended to other conditions.
Q What symptoms mean we have to call 111?
A You should contact NHS 111 if anyone feels they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days. People are asked to phone 111 only if they cannot get help online.
Q I had the flu jab at the start of the winter. Am I immune from coronavirus?
A No, the flu vaccine does not protect against coronavirus.
Q Can children catch coronavirus or are they carriers?
A Children can contract it. A newborn baby in North London tested positive for Covid-19, with the mother also testing positive. Children are not, so far, experiencing severe symptoms. But anyone who is infected can still spread the disease. It is still a good idea for them to follow guidance issued for everyone (such as washing hands, catching sneezes in tissue).
Q How can I stop my children becoming overanxious about the coronavirus?
A Use simple language and a calm tone. Reassure your child that about your familys fitness and strength and that you are doing all you can to stay healthy and safe. Dont overplay the risks or make bleak predictions. Be clear that you dont have all the answers, but the worlds experts are working hard on it.
Explain that myths and rumours circulate on social media. Direct children to news coverage with an age-appropriate tone, such as BBCs Newsround.
Q Are pregnant women particularly susceptible to coronavirus? Could it affect the babys health?
A The Government says limited evidence suggests there are no coronavirus-related complications in pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to limit social contact but continue to attend antenatal appointments. The Royal College of Midwives says appointments are essential to ensure the wellbeing of pregnant women and their babies.
Q There is a confirmed case of coronavirus at my childrens school, but the school has not closed. Should I keep my kids home?
A Public Health England is advising schools to stay open. Only people with symptoms of the virus, or in a family with someone with symptoms, should self-isolate at home for 14 days.
Q Can we eat any specific foods to boost our immunity against coronavirus?
A Micro nutrients essential to fight infection include vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and the minerals iron, selenium, and zinc. A varied, balanced diet rich in leafy green veg, oily fish, fruits such as oranges, kiwis and berries, meat and whole grains can help boost your immune system.
Q Do hot drinks help keep us safe from coronavirus?
A There is no medical advice from the NHS or WHO to confirm this. It is advised to keep hydrated by drinking water.
Q Is food delivery safe?
A Yes. Many delivery services are putting no-contact delivery services in place so you can arrange for the driver to drop your food somewhere safe like your porch or doorstep.
Q Can I walk my dog?
A If you are showing symptoms, the advice is to stay indoors and away from others.
However, if you arent showing symptoms so if you are self-isolating for another reason then walking the dog should be fine.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said: People should go outside. Yes, walk your pets, but, if youre in household isolation, do go outside but try to avoid other people.
Q Can pets get coronavirus?
A According to the World Health Organisations myth-buster page, there is no evidence that cats and dogs can become infected. However it is still always a good idea to wash your hands after contact with pets.
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Coronavirus: Your questions about the killer bug COVID-19 are answered - Mirror Online
