10What is COVID-19

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. Its caused by a virus called coronavirus

What are we doing for prevention and  infection risk

1. Screening ALL patients before arrival asking if they have; 

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• Had contact with somebody with coronavirus 
• Have been to an affected place in the last 14 days 

​If yes to above we advise do not attend your appointment, GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do​

2. Following department of health protocols for hand hygiene before and after each consultation including washing hands 20 seconds and using alcohol gel 
3. Using anti-bacterial wipes to clean the treatment couch, chair, PDQ machine, Pillow and any other work surface before and after each appointment
4. We are now asking patients to enter the building through a side door which bypasses the GP waiting area. We will inform you instructions before the appointment (Specific for Fairlands Medical Centre)
5. We are no longer treating patients with a compromised immune system or has an underlying respiratory condition 
6. We are no longer treating patients over the age of 70 until further notice 
7. Using non-latex disposable gloves for treatments and disposed of immediately after treatment. 
​8. Self management of staff uniform - washing clothes daily at 60 degrees 
9. We will have the treatment room window continuously open to allow a draft - the radiator will be used accordingly 
10. Clinicians measuring their temperature daily 

This list will be updated regularly

How long to stay at home (According to NHS website)

• if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you'll need to stay at home for 7 days
• if you live with someone who has symptoms, you'll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days. If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.