Preparing for Covid-19
PODS ARE SET UP ACROSS WEST LONDON TO TACKLE CORONAVIRUS, BUT LOCAL FIRMS HAVE REPORTED A DOWNTURN IN TRADE
PODS to isolate people with symptoms of coronavirus have now been set up at hospitals across West London.
West Middlesex University Hospital in Hounslow, Ealing Hospital and Hillingdon Hospital are following national guidance to stop the respiratory disease, known as Covid-19, from spreading.
In London an increasing number of schools are closing or sending some pupils home as people are tested for the virus.
So far maore than 20,000 people have been tested for the virus in the
UK, with more than 200 confirmed positive cases. A cancer clinician from Mount Vernon hospital in Hillingdon was among those checked for the illness, but has since been given the all clear.
An NHS spokesperson said: “Following national guidance all hospitals are putting in place NHS 111 pods at their emergency departments, so that anyone attending hospital with symptoms of the virus can be kept isolated from other patients and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E.
“Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus’s spread. Everyone can continue to play their part by taking simple steps such as washing hands to prevent the spread of infection and calling NHS 111 first before going to the doctors or A&E if they have any concerns about or show symptoms of coronavirus.”
Ealing Hospital has also reassured patients that hospital wards are open as usual, and outpatient and planned appointments are going ahead as scheduled, according to the hospital’s website.
The risk to the general public of contracting the disease is said to be ‘moderate’ and Public Health England is urging people to follow its advice on how to minimise the threat.
This includes always carrying tissues, disposing them in the bin and washing your hands with soap and water often.
It adds to avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands, and to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.