On 31 January 2020, the UK announced its first case of infection of Covid-19. This was following the same announcements in France and Germany. The UK has seen a spike in cases of coronavirus among UK citizens since. On 12 March, UK cases of coronavirus jumped to 461. Now, there are records of cases in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
The first death was a woman in her 70s with underlying health problems. Earlier, health authorities in London, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire, and Gloucestershire announced new cases. Tracing interactions showed that coronavirus had been introduced from Italy and Iran.
This has become a pandemic that brings to a lot of severe problems. How does this impact UK citizens? Here are some of the most important updates you need to know.Â
Actions From The Government
The UK government is on high alert as cases of coronavirus increase. Coronavirus is now on the list of notifiable diseases. This enables more prompt and reliable documentation of the cases by Public Health England. Italy is now a Category 2 nation. This means that if they show signs of coronavirus disease, travelers traveling from Italy to the UK will need to self-isolate.
UK Airlines’ Moves
British Airways, the UK’s flag carrier, started proactive measures by canceling direct flights to and from China. The airline has canceled hundreds of flights to Europe and numerous other regions like Italy, France, United Kingdom, and Albania as Covid-19 cases continue to rise.
British private airline, Virgin Atlantic, has also revealed similar steps and provides absolute reimbursement for future bookings and partial reimbursement if the journey has already started.
Coronavirus infection screening is also in place at all major airports. Health services are stationed at all airports and a team of specialists from public health divisions have been made available in Heathrow. There are no travels to the following regions in Italy from anywhere: Alessandria, Asti, Lombardy, Modena, Novara, Padova, Parma, Pesaro and Urbino, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Treviso-Venice, Verbano.
Government Advice For The People
The United Kingdom has instructed travelers returning from nine countries not to leave their homes during the incubation period and avoid contact with others. Such travelers have also been advised to report their recent travel to that country to the National Health Service. The list of places that should be avoided contains China, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Macau.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom advised against travel to the province of Hubei during the outbreak and against all but important trips to China. The UK has also recommended against all but important trips near the border between Thailand and Malaysia. These areas include Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Southern Songkhla. Each year, more than a million British visit Thailand, one of the high-risk coronavirus countries.
Conclusion
A lot of factors affect each country due to this pandemic. However, more than this, it is best to focus our attention on proper healthcare systems, and labor rights. More than anything, this is a time to practice exceptional personal hygiene.
For more information about the COVID-19, click here.
