AFTER three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Bury and Bolton, we have checked for the latest advice on coronavirus symptoms and how to stop it from spreading.

What are the symptoms?

  • a cough
  • a high temperature
  • shortness of breath

But NHS England say these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

How to avoid catching or spreading it

There are things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading.

Do

  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately
  • wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don't

  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

What's the latest advice?

Residents are advised to spend 20 seconds washing their hands - humming the 'Happy birthday' tune to yourself will help you time how long to keep them under a tap.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that for "most people who catch this virus, it's relatively mild, and a bad cough".

He said the number of home ventilation kits are being expanded and that "the NHS, I am sure, will rise to the challenge" of dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.

On whether the NHS would be able to cope if the virus reaches pandemic level, he told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "A lot of people, not least because it is mild, will be best off at home than in hospital so we are expanding the number of home ventilation kits that are available so that can be done.

"The NHS, of course, has a full plan for this and prepares for this even when there isn't an outbreak.

"Inevitably in the case of this becoming widespread of course there will be much more pressure on the NHS, but the NHS is prepared for this sort of challenge."

A government 'battle plan' was released today if there is a coronavirus outbreak in this country. 

You can read a summary of the report here

What's the latest travel advice?

The updated advice said people returning from Iran, lockdown areas of northern Italy, special care zones in South Korea, and Hubei province in China since February 19 should call NHS 111, stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if they do not have symptoms.

People returning from north of Pisa and Florence in Italy, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma (Myanmar) from the same date who develop symptoms should stay at home, avoid contact with other people and also call NHS 111.