By Daniel Wood
Public Health England confirmed on Wednesday that there are now three cases of Coronavirus in Kirklees.
Kirklees Council is working closely with Public Health England to minimise the risk of Coronavirus to the public.
The Director of Public Health in Kirklees, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, said: “Specialists at PHE are taking swift action to follow up with the contacts of all confirmed cases, ensuring they receive the correct medical advice and guidance.
“In the meantime, good hygiene is the very best prevention, and there are simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves, our families and communities.
“This includes washing hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds, and following NHS advice in relation to coughs and colds – catch the sneeze in a tissue, bin it and kill the germs.”
The UK currently has 1,950 confirmed cases, with 71 total fatalities at the time of writing.
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, issued a stark warning on the virus calling it the “worst public health crisis for a generation.” He added that the Government was also “considering the question of banning major public events.”
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) put out the following:
Know How it Spreads
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to it.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. People in close contact with one another and through respiratory droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes are the two main spread methods.
The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby and can be inhaled into the lungs.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
Don’t get too close to people who are sick.
Put distance between yourself and other people if Coronavirus is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of getting very sick from the virus.
Take Steps to Protect Others
Stay at home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Clean and Disinfect
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.