Coronavirus: Kind gesture from Horndean restaurant sees more than 50 pizzas delivered to Queen Alexandra Hospital

Messages of support and love were written inside pizza boxes as staff from Four London Road whipped up a treat for staff working hard at Queen Alexandra Hospital to combat coronavirus.

More than 50 boxes of the Italian favourite were taken into the Cosham hospital over two days, because staff at the Horndean restaurant wanted to show their gratitude for medical workers, especially during these trying times.

Each box featured a heartwarming message such as ‘you are our heroes’ and ‘this is a small token compared to what you do for us’, which lifted the spirits of recipients as they tucked into the fresh pies.

Elio Haycock-Martinisi, general manager at Four London Road, said: ‘We wanted to give something back to the community and be thankful for the NHS in these hard times.

‘We wrote a message inside each box, just to cheer them up a little bit. Everybody’s having a hard time, not just in the UK but the whole world, it’s just about giving something back.’

The hospital distributed the meals between wards, and several social media posts from QA staff spoke of their gratitude for the gesture from Four London Road.

Cari Winter, senior ward sister on a ward for older people, posted: ‘Huge thank you to Four London Road for the deliveries to QAH this evening. A huge lift for the staff who are working so hard!’

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.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS