Will Murray presents the latest figures on the global pandemic and shares the best practices on how to keep safe
We have now passed 10,000 COVID-19 related deaths with over 250,000 cases globally. Over the last 24 hours, Italy has overtaken China in virus-related deaths, despite the latter having nearly twice the number of cases and being where the virus originated. Some have questioned the accuracy of Chinese figures, whilst others have blamed Italy's death toll on the collapse of the Italian health service in certain areas.
The most number of deaths occur when intensive care beds are unavailable. Public experts continue to advise the following preventative measures, to slow the spread of the virus and limit the strain on health services:
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Cough and Sneeze into tissues or your elbow;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Even without symptoms, you should work from home when possible and avoid social venues;
- Practice social distancing;
- Avoid close contact with people that are unwell as much as possible.
Britain's National Health Service (NHS) has provided guidelines for those that are showing symptoms. If you have the following symptoms, you should stay at home for at least 7 days or when your temperature returns to normal:
- A high temperature -
- you feel hot to touch on your chest or back;
- A new continuous cough.
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms, as it can take time for symptoms to appear. If you show symptoms and live with someone over the age of 70 or with vulnerable health, the NHS recommends trying to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days and limiting contact with them as much as possible if necessary to cohabit.
Useful Resources
BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51711227
NHS advice on symptoms and staying at home
https://twitter.com/NHSuk/status/1240551014413074433
MarketWatch - Italy overtakes China:
