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What you can do to help the NHS through the Coronavirus crisis

What will happen if Boris Johnson is diagnosed with Covid-19?

What you can do to help the NHS through the Coronavirus crisis

PM Boris Johnson has today urged Britons to avoid all non-essential contact with other people, in efforts to help both the public and the NHS through the coronavirus crisis.

In attempts to delay the spread of Covid-19, the UK government are now advising that if you or anybody in your household experiences symptoms, the whole household should isolate for 14 days.

Boris Johnson said:

“We are now approaching a period of fast growth, without drastic action cases could double every 5-6 days.

Everything we are doing is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice.

We are asking people to do something that is difficult and disruptive.

That is why we are asking now, when we think it can be most effective for slowing the spread of the disease and reducing the number of cases and fatalities.”

He also said that by this weekend it is likely that it will be necessary to go further.

Johnson specified that even if you don’t have symptoms, now is the time to stop non-essential contact and travel.

Everyone who can work at home has been advised to do so.

This advice is particularly important for those over 70, pregnant women, and for those with underlying health conditions.

As previously outlined by officials at Public Health England, it remains true that rate of transmission at mass gatherings is relatively low. However, Johnson also stated that such events will not be supported by the already strained emergency services.

Chief Medical Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance, also called for whole household isolation and increased social distancing. He asked the public to remember that while most will only experience a mild illness, others may be more vulnerable:

“This is not easy, but it is important, and we have to take accountability.”

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty urged the public to self-isolate, rather than to overwhelm the NHS. He said:

“For most, the chances of death are very low, many will have no symptoms, or will not catch the virus at all.

But, a small but significant minority will require hospital care, intensive care, or will die.

And if the NHS is overwhelmed, people will also die of indirect deaths.

We must protect the NHS.”

He added: “One of the reasons we are keen not to go into isolation in advance of need is because of the negative health and social affects that this might have, and which might create further complications.”

Strong advice has been given not to visit public places, but unexpectedly, no clear rules or closures have been outlined or enforced.

Some other European countries have enforced criminal sanctions for those who break their isolation, while the UK is only advising voluntary isolation. When questioned, Johnson clarified his position:

“We do have those powers. However, we are a mature and liberal democracy. People understand the advice that is being given to them, and the way in which it helps them and the NHS.”

 Members of the public have called for a unified ‘wartime spirit’.

The Prime Minister has said that British people and businesses have responded with amazing energy.

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