Delegates who attended this month’s UK Bus Summit, which took place on 6 February at London’s OEII Centre, have received a letter from Public Health England this morning instructing them to ‘self-isolate’ if they experience any symptoms of Coronavirus.
The warnings were issued after it emerged that one of the event’s 250 attendees had contracted the virus.
“One of our main priorities has been to identify any people who we think have been in close contact with confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to provide public health advice, as they may be at slightly increased risk of catching the virus,” the letter states.
“While the degree of contact you may have had with the case at the summit is unlikely to have been significant, we are taking a precautionary approach and informing you.”
The letter goes on to say that no action needs to be taken unless flu-like symptoms develop. These include a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
If delegates begin to suffer with any one of these symptoms, they are advised to:
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, as with the flu;
- Call NHS 111 to inform them that they are a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19; or
- In Scotland phone their GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours. If they are in Northern Ireland, they can call 0300 200 7885.
“Please follow this advice until 20 February 2020, even if your symptoms are minor,” the letter continues.
“Please be aware that this remains an evolving situation and this advice is based on the current available information. We will continue our investigations and inform you of any additional advice or updates, if required.”
Further information is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus
