Everything you need to know about coronavirus in the UK
Date published: 13 March 2020
The Bank of England has announced an emergency cut in interest rates in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak
The UK has entered a new phase to try and delay the spread of coronavirus.
It means that anyone who has symptoms like a continuous new cough or a high temperature will have to stay at home for seven days.
Speaking at a press conference after an emergency Cobra meeting yesterday (12th March) the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, called it the "worst health crisis in a generation".
He said that 20 people were being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units and that we're about four weeks behind Italy.
Currently in the UK 10 people have died after contracting the virus and there are 590 confirmed cases.
There are 30 cases in Greater Manchester, 5 of those are in Oldham after another case was confirmed yesterday.
The Government's chief science officer, Sir Patrick Vallance reckons the true total is nearer to be between 5,000 and 10,000.
There's only a 1% mortality rate and those that have died in the UK so far have had underlying health conditions. This means that if 80% of the country get the virus as is predicted there will be more than 500,000 deaths.
Boris Johnson, said: “We have all got to be clear, this is the worst public health crisis for a generation. Some people compare it to seasonal flu. Alas, that is not right. Due to the lack of immunity this disease is more dangerous.
“It is going to spread further and I must level with you, I must level with the British public: many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.”
He hasn't decided to close schools yet and ban public gatherings like other places in the EU but hasn't ruled it out in the future.
His advice for the over 70s is that they shouldn't go on cruises and school trips abroad are banned.
The most dangerous period is thought to be "some weeks away". That's why we're in the delay phase - to give the NHS and emergency services space to cope.
He added: “At some point in the next few weeks we are likely to go further, and if someone in a household has those symptoms then we will be asking everyone in that household to stay at home. I want to signal now that this is coming down the track.”
He ended with an upbeat message, saying the country had faced challenges before and “will get through this”.
We are still being advised to wash our hands whenever we can for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap and avoid touching our face.
Although hand sanitisers are a good way of keeping yourself safe while out and about, an Oldham doctor warned this week that it isn't as effective as properly washing your hands.
For the latest health advice, visit the NHS website.
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