Coronavirus: Portsmouth puts measures in place to deal with outbreak

Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its officers and staff are prepared.

It comes as the government's chief scientific officer said between 5,000 to 10,000 people could be infected. There are 798 confirmed cases in the UK with 10 deaths.

Councillor Matthew Winnington, from the city council, added: 'We have business continuity plans across each team in the council that are regularly reviewed.

‘These have been revisited to ensure they're equipped to support our plans to manage Covid-19.

‘These plans include how we will re-prioritise resources to ensure our vital services remain running.’

He added: ‘The public health team in Portsmouth are working with emergency planning colleagues, and partners from the Hampshire & the IoW Local Resilience Forum such as other local authorities, Public Health England, Hampshire police, South Central Ambulance Service, clinical commissioning groups, NHS acute and community trusts (and others) to ensure we share information, planning and resources to achieve a consistent approach across the region.'

The Electoral Commission has recommended postponing May's local council and crime commissioner elections until the autumn.Fire service area manager Dan Tasker said: 'As a public service we are well prepared to deal with the impact to Hampshire and Isle of Wight FRS and our community with robust and well-rehearsed plans in place.‘We will work closely with our partner agencies to assure the business continuity across essential areas of service delivery, in accordance with the national guidance from Public Health England and NHS.'The University of Portsmouth has said it remains open but is making 'contingency plans'.

A spokesman said: ‘At this stage, teaching and research activities are taking place as usual.

‘We are following the guidelines set by PHE and the government around travel advice and self-isolation from affected areas. We are monitoring the situation closely and will respond accordingly in line with any national guidance from the government.

‘As you would expect, we have to be ready to react to this fast-moving situation and contingency plans are being prepared for every eventuality.’

The university has a webpage with coronavirus information for students here.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to 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 and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS