The government has today published new and updated guidance
to provide affected sectors with the latest advice on
managing the threat from COVID-19. The Public Health England
(PHE) guidance provides important information for specific
sectors, including schools and transport, on what precautions
to take, what to do if someone develops symptoms and how to
limit the spread of the virus.
The guidance will assist staff, employers and members of the
public after the government last week shifted into the
‘delay’ phase of its action
plan to slow the spread of the virus, reduce
pressures on the NHS and protect the most vulnerable.
New and updated COVID-19 industry guidance:
Guidance has also been published on how to clean
non-healthcare settings such as offices or hotel rooms where
a person with possible or confirmed COVID-19 has spent time
while experiencing symptoms.
The guidance recommends a range of measures for different
industries, including:
- using announcements in transport hubs to reinforce key
messages, such as washing hands before and after travel, and
what to do if unwell
- if anyone becomes unwell with a new continuous cough or a
high temperature, they should be sent home, to their room or
the place they are staying. If they have to use public
transport, they should try to keep away from other people and
catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue
- objects and surfaces that are touched regularly should be
frequently cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning
products
The advice for these settings continues to be not to close
unless advised to do so by the local Public Health England
Health Protection Team or the government.
It comes after the Health and Social Care Secretary announced
an expanded public awareness campaign asking people to
self-isolate for 7 days if they develop a high temperature or
a new continuous cough, however mild.
The most important thing individuals can do to protect
themselves remains washing hands more often, for at least 20
seconds, with soap and water.
The next phase of the awareness campaign reiterates the
importance of seeking help online by visiting NHS.UK/coronavirus to
check symptoms and follow the medical advice, rather than
visiting a GP.
Last week, the government published advice for the social
care sector to protect older people and those with underlying
conditions.
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
Our goal is to protect life by protecting the vulnerable
and the NHS.
We are in the midst of the biggest public health emergency
in a generation, and everyone has a part to play. As the
government works round the clock as part of our action plan
to tackle the virus, it’s vital that different industries
know exactly what they need to do to limit the spread of
COVID-19 and ultimately protect life.
This updated guidance provides clear information on what to
do if someone is experiencing symptoms, how to keep people
informed and the precautions that we should all be taking –
including continuing to regularly wash our hands.
PHE’s National Infections Service Deputy Director Nick Phin
said:
The most important actions people can all take are to wash
their hands regularly, stay at home when they have symptoms
– however mild – and to regularly clean and disinfect
surfaces.
We will keep our guidance under constant review and update
it as the situation unfolds.
