COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respirators illnesses and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying healthy conditions may develop more serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the virus, the causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands with soap regularly for 30-40 seconds or if unable to wash hands, use an alcohol-based hand gel and rub well into your hand. Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose or mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you practice respiratory etiquette (for example cough into a flexed elbow, carry a tissue?).
A high proportion of the adults in the UK have now been vaccinated.