Coronavirus: How can you protect yourself from Covid-19? Do face masks work?

Public urged to work from home and avoid non-essential travel

As the number of coronavirus cases in the UK continues to rise, the government has issued advice to help people reduce their risk of spreading the illness.

Boris Johnson said people must stop “all unnecessary travel” and stay away from confined public spaces such as restaurants, pubs and theatres, although he has not imposed a ban on mass gatherings.

The prime minister said people with the “most serious health conditions” must avoid almost all social contact for 12 weeks, as well as people aged over 70 and pregnant women.

Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, has urged people to self-isolate for 14 days if one person in their household starts to display symptoms, such as a dry cough or a fever.

As for people who do not have symptoms, the government has continued to recommend washing hands regularly to avoid becoming infected.

Hand-washing is especially important when you come in from home or work, after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze, and before you eat or handle food.

You should use soap and hot water, or hand sanitiser, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds – the same length of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

If your hands are not clean do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

If you sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve – not your hands – and put used tissues in the bin immediately.

You should also try to avoid close contact with people who are ill.

Public Health England has advised people against wearing face masks as there is “very little evidence” that they are effective “outside of clinical settings” such as hospitals.

If you think you might have coronavirus – which is also known as Covid-19 – do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You should instead use the NHS 111 non-emergency service online.

The prime minister has urged the public to use the 111 online service rather than call the helpline.

The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to 23 countries, including the United States, Italy and China.