Update: 29th June 2020
Background
A number of patients in the UK have tested positive for the Novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) strain of coronavirus. The UK Chief Medical Officer has assessed the current risk to the public in the UK as High.
A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
The College has issued the following advice based upon the recommendations from The Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England, click here current recommendations.
What you need to do
Stay alert
We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have either of these symptoms, however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started if you live alone:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
All members of your household should also self isolate. This will help to protect others in your community while you are infectious. If you live with somebody who has symptoms you should isolate for 14 days.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
If your symptoms worsen during isolation or are no better after 7days, contact NHS 111 or 999 for a medical emergency.
Please follow government advice relating to avoiding social contact, public gatherings, unnecessary travel and visiting public places such as Theaters, cinemas, pubs and restaurants.
At 14:00 each day the Department of Health and Social Care issue an online update on the situation which will be checked daily by the Health & Safety Adviser and any advice will be updated accordingly.
Students should be advised to contact their tutor or Student Services for support and access to remote learning materials.
Staff should email Line Manager and HR for support and to report related absence.
For further guidance please contact either the College Director of IT & Estates or Health & Safety Advisor via email on health&safety@croydon.ac.uk
