At this time there are a lot of media reports about Wuhan novel coronavirus in China, so it is important that we provide reassurance and guidance on what we all need to do protect ourselves and those around us.
It is important to stress that the risk from coronavirus is extremely low and it is highly unlikely that any ASCO employees would be directly exposed to coronavirus in the course of their work.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are common across the world and typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Advice for travellers from Wuhan
If you have returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days:
- Do not come into your place of work and stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses
- Call your Health Service or Doctor to inform them of your recent travel to the city
Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus.
What this means in practice
If you have returned from Wuhan, then please take simple, common-sense steps to avoid close contact with other people as much as possible, as you would with any other flu viruses. This means remaining at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan and not going to work, school or public areas. Where possible, you should avoid having visitors to your home, but it is ok for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food or medicine.
What to do if you develop symptoms
If you develop a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or difficulty breathing, you should continue to follow the advice above. Please do not leave your home until you been given advice by a clinician.
ASCO Group HSSEQ and HR will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and shall provide additional advice and guidance should it be required.
Kind regards,
HSSEQ Team