Medical centre advice on virus

Crieff Medical Centre this week issued the advice for those who may think they have come into contact with the virus.

A spokesperson for the King Street facility said: “People with a cough or fever should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of symptoms.

“If you’ve developed a new continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature in the last seven days, stay at home for seven days from the start of your symptoms even if you think your symptoms are mild.

“Phone your GP if your symptoms: are severe or you have shortness of breath; worsen during home isolation or have not improved after seven days.

“You should also phone your GP if you develop breathlessness or it worsens – especially if you are 60 years old or over, have underlying poor health, have heart or lung problems, have a weakened immune system, including cancer or have diabetes.”

The spokesperson continued: “Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus – via coughs and sneezes or hand contact.

“A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.

“The risk of being in close contact with a person with coronavirus or contaminated surfaces is very low at the current time.

“Everyone is reminded to always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

“Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport – use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

“Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are unwell.”

• See the website www.nhsinform. scot or call the helpline on the number above for more information in relation to the ongoing pandemic.