Coronavirus in Yorkshire: New guidelines urge people with cough or fever to self-isolate

Public Health England has released new stay-at-home guidance for those with confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus.
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The advice states not to go to work, school, or public areas, use public transport or taxis - or even go for a walk.

In the guidance, those with even mild symptoms of infection are also urged to stay at least two metres away from other people in their homes whenever possible and to sleep alone.

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Where possible, those with confirmed or suspected cases should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household.

(Photo: TV Pool/PA Wire)(Photo: TV Pool/PA Wire)
(Photo: TV Pool/PA Wire)

For infected people with shared toilets and bathrooms, the Government advice says to clean them after every use.

The recommended period of self-isolation has also reduced from 14 days to one week, as most people will no longer be likely to transmit the virus a week after the onset of symptoms.

The new guidance has been released as coronavirus cases surge in the UK, with confirmed cases rising from 456 to 590 in just 24 hours.

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It is the largest day-on-day increase since the outbreak began and the actual number of people infected with the virus could be much higher.

(Photo: Christopher Furlong via Getty Images)(Photo: Christopher Furlong via Getty Images)
(Photo: Christopher Furlong via Getty Images)

Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's chief scientific adviser, said there could be between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected in the UK at the moment.

Speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting, Boris Johnson has warned that the most dangerous period is some weeks away as he stressed that the focus must be on protecting elderly and vulnerable people.

He said: "The most important task will be to protect our elderly and most vulnerable people during the peak weeks when there is the maximum risk of exposure to the disease and when the NHS will be under the most pressure.

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"So the most dangerous period is not now but some weeks away depending on how fast it spreads."

Mr Johnson said schools are not being closed at this time because the move could make matters worse.

"We are not, repeat not, closing schools now," he said.

"The scientific advice is that this could do more harm than good at this time but of course we are keeping this under review and this again may change as the disease spreads."

How do I protect myself from coronavirus?

The most effective ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to:

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Avoid close contact with sick peopleTry not to touch your face with unwashed hands

Use tissues to catch sneezes and coughs, and put them in the bin and wash your hands straight away

You should wash your hands regularly with soap