The Romford MP Andrew Rosindell writes:
Writing with the help of Professor Richard Tedder, the visiting Professor of Medical Virology at Imperial College London, who worked with Ebola in the Sierra Leone epidemic.
PLEASE HELP – slow the virus
This virus is upon us and over the coming months most people living in the United Kingdom will be infected.
For the vast majority of people it will be mild, indeed you may not even notice it.
However, people will be sick in every age group and there may sadly be more deaths amongst the elderly or those with existing health conditions. At risk elders should consider self-isolation where possible.
Some of us will need Intensive Care in hospital. If too many of us need this at once, the hospitals may become overwhelmed despite the best efforts of staff.
If we want to maximize the number of Intensive Care hospital beds for yourself or family members or friends, we must- all of us- help slow the virus!
This means having as few people infected as possible at any one time.
THINGS WE MUST DO
Please follow the Chief Medical Officer’s advice as follows:
SELF ISOLATION
If you have a temperature or cough, stay at home and try to strictly avoid close contact with family members for 7 days. Do not have visitors during this time.
GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds as often as possible
- Don’t touch your mouth or rub your eyes
- Catch coughs and sneezes in tissues, dispose of these carefully
- Don’t shake hands
- Keep at least 2m from other people wherever possible
OTHER THINGS WE MUST DO LOCALLY
- It seems sensible to avoid crowded places like congested trains, shops and supermarkets – especially at busy times – the virus can live in the air and on surfaces (e.g. checkouts) for many hours
- Try and work from home at every opportunity where appropriate
- Help elderly relatives stay safe by supporting them, keeping a distance and avoiding infecting them – many children will carry the virus without you even knowing
- Look out for elderly/needy neighbours – help them stay distanced if they want
- reduce social activities like going to pubs, clubs, cinema and restaurants etc.