March 1, 2020

expert comment on what the public can do to reduce risk of coronavirus transmission and prepare for should there be sustained transmission in the U.K.

Prof Peter Openshaw, Professor of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, said:

“Fortunately, eight out of 10 people will only have mild illness and children rarely get it (only 2% of the 72,314 cases in China were under 19y). However, elderly and people with existing health conditions are at high risk- about 15% or people who catch SARS-CoV-2 over 80 will die.

Everything we can do now to slow the spread will help protect people at higher risk.

Plan ahead

In the containment phase of planning the idea is to stamp out the pockets of disease. If it spreads via extensive local transmission, the priority is to slow the spread and blunt the peak of the outbreak

1. Start doing practical things to reduce the risk of getting infected now. You may still get infected, but it is worth really trying to avoid infection because the more we slow spread the better. Slow the spread, buy time.

2. If you manage a business or organisation, plan home working for all. Cross-train key staff at work so one person’s absence won’t derail your organisation’s ability to function.

3. Talk things through with friends and family. Some may talk at length, but listen especially to others who may be reluctant or frightened. Prepare emotionally for life not as usual. Plan ahead how to care for sick household members while avoiding infection.

Actions you can take now

1. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands. This takes practice.

2. Wash your hands often (about 5 times a day), with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol hand gel. Wash hands before eating, touching food and after going on public transport.

3. Keep your distance, at least 2 metres; avoid those who appear ill or are coughing. Stop shaking hands and kissing in greeting. While a mask seems a good idea, it can give a false sense of security. There isn’t a lot of evidence masks prevent infection in COVID-19, but they are useful if you are sick.

4. If you or a friend or family member takes any prescription medication, make sure you have a good supply, e.g., at least 4 weeks’ worth.

5. Don’t panic buy, but do buy a few extra provisions when you normally go shopping. Don’t forget about pets.

What to do is someone gets ill

Take advice, and follow it. Call 111 before going to a doctor, clinic or hospital.

How long will this outbreak last?

It looks unlikely this will be over quickly. It may be with us into next year and might eventually become a seasonal infection, returning each winter.”

All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink:

http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/tag/covid-19

The SMC also produced a Factsheet on COVID-19 which is available here:

https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/smc-novel-coronavirus-factsheet/

Declared interests

None received