Important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NHS across Gateshead and South Tyneside will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases, if the public follows Public Health England advice.

The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mean your patient experience is subject to change.

The Chief Medical Officer announced on Friday 13 March that the country is moving into the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus (Covid-19).

The new advice issued by the Chief Medical Officer is to stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

• a high temperature or
• a new continuous cough

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or a hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Stay At Home advice can be found here.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Information remains subject to regular change and updates. More information can be found on the NHS website here.

HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS

WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY USING SOAP (MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD)

OR

USE  HAND SANITISER 

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE (EYES, NOSE & MOUTH) WITH UNWASHED HANDS

CARRY TISSUES, BIN USED ONES AND WASH YOUR HANDS MULTIPLE TIMES PER DAY

IF YOU DON’T HAVE TISSUES BUT NEED TO COUGH OR SNEEZE, USE THE CROOK OF YOUR ARM TO COVER YOUR MOUTH & NOSE TO AVOID SPREADING GERMS