PREVENTING SPREAD OF INFECTION

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

 washing your hands often, preferably with soap and water. Only use alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport

 covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it

 people who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work or any education or childcare setting

 pupils, students, staff and visitors should wash their hands:

   o before leaving home

   o on arrival at school

   o after using the toilet o after breaks and sporting activities

   o before food preparation

   o before eating any food, including snacks

   o before leaving school

 if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol

 avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

 avoid close contact with people who are unwell

 clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

 if you are worried about your symptoms or those of a child or colleague, and feel you or they may be at risk, please telephone your GP for advice. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment