Information and links on Coronavirus
Last Updated: Tuesday 29 March 2020
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus. Please view our coronavirus page for more useful information and links.
As there is no specific medical advice for adults with CHD and coronavirus, anyone who is concerned for their health should contact their doctor, nurse, specialist centre or ACHD team for advice. The NHS Advise “Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.”
For general health information on coronavirus, visit the NHS website. See the common questions section on the NHS website on the symptoms and what you should do if you think you have coronavirus.
Read our latest guidance on Coronavirus for CHD patients.
GOV.UK Guidance on social distancing and vulnerable adults.
The below is additional information from approved and qualified sources:
NHS General Hygiene Advice
- 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 often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Other Useful Links:
BCCA (British Congenital Cardiac Association) COVID-19 guidance
World Health Organisation – Also has useful information on coronavirus as well as informative videos.
Should you have travel plans, please visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website for guidance.
visit GOV.UK for the UK governments response, latest information and advice on coronavirus.
Travel advice for people travelling abroad.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing from Mind.
Practical rules for employers and employees on Coronavirus
- If an employee has been to an affected area and and an employer has told them not to come into the workplace because of this – they would ordinarily get their normal pay. Employees who are actually ill because of coronavirus would be entitled to statutory sick pay or contractual sick pay as per their employment contract or any verbal agreements which supplement that contract.
- If an employee chooses to self-isolate rather than the business imposing this – Acas guidelines state if an employee has been told to self-isolate by a medical expert, have had to go into quarantine or are not able to travel back to the UK, there is no statutory right to pay
- All staff (and all employees) have a duty of care towards each other and the Company to provide a safe work environment. If an employee is adamant they wish to return to work [having symptoms of possible virus or temperature even], the employee can be suspended on health and safety grounds; in such a case the employee in question would have to be paid as normal.
The above information is from the following articles and government guidance, available here:
COVID-19: guidance for employers and businesses
Coronavirus: advice for employers and employees
Coronavirus: how should HR approach self-isolation?
* The Somerville Foundation is not able to provide any medical advice, if you are concerned for your health, we urge you to get in touch with your specialist centre, nurse, doctor or medical team. The NHS Advise “Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.”
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