7th Feb 2020 – UPDATE to previous briefing for VRUK members which was circulated on 2nd Feb 2020.
At the time of writing this briefing there were nearly 32,000 reported cases (worldwide) of a new virus (known as 2019-nCov) which was first diagnosed in Wuhan (China) at the end of Dec 2019. nCoV causes a flu-like illness which may be particularly serious for some people including those with pre-existing health conditions (for example; diabetes).
There are now 3 confirmed positive cases in England. Many more people are likely to be infected with nCov in the coming weeks and months. This is because after exposure to the virus, it can take between 2-14 days for people to feel unwell. During this time, some people may be infectious with no outwardly obvious symptoms.
The spread of nCoV has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern and the risk to the public in the UK is currently classed as moderate.
Therefore, we are advising our Club members to behave in a socially responsible manner and avoid attending / participating in sporting events / races if they are feeling unwell.
By unwell we mean if you have any of the following symptoms:
- a fever
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- a general feeling of being ‘under the weather’ or as if you are ‘coming down with something’
If you develop shortness of breath or feel extremely unwell with any of the symptoms listed above, then you should call 111 or your GP for advice.
To reduce the risk of becoming infected or passing the nCoV infection on to others you should:
- Frequently clean hands by using hand rub gel or soap and water
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever or cough
- When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
We are also requesting that you avoid attending / participating in sporting events and races if you have returned from travel that included time in mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14
in the past 14 days or if you have been in contact with persons who have travelled to or through these areas in the past 14 days.
Denyse King
Welfare Secretary
7th Feb 2020
Places where you can get more information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
