26th April 2020
More people are to be tested according to the Government. This is for Care Homes and for people who have some symptoms. If you qualify, you may have to travel to a particular site.
In Scotland, the Government suggests people should have a face covering in shops and where they cannot be 2 metres apart.
Now the numbers of deaths will include those people dying in care homes and not just in hospital.
In the USA, more than one million people have the virus.
25th April 2020
The Medical Authorities are worried that people are afraid to go for health checks for other problems. They are especially worried that people who may have symptoms like cancer or heart problems are not going to the doctor or hospital. They now say
People should go for medical care when they need it and not be put off by the coronavirus epidemic. Anyone who delays seeking treatment is putting their long-term health at risk, as well as their life. Half the usual number of people are going to A&E and treatment for heart attacks and strokes.. You can leave home to get medical help.
The Government promises more test for Covid-19 for all people in health or care jobs and for their families. But the website crashed yesterday when too many people tried to access. They are fixing this and making more appointments.
17th April 2020
This is affecting the deaf community and all of our work. There is a lot of uncertainty. These are some information points from the World Health Organisation.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild/moderate respiratory illness (breathing problems). Most recover without special treatment. Older people, and people with medical problems like heart disease, diabetes, chronic breathing problems and cancer may develop serious illness.
It is important to reduce infection by washing your hands or using a sanitiser frequently. Try not to touch your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
In the UK, we have to stay at home. The government says:
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
- If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Do not meet others, even friends or family
There are BSL updates at Sign Health,
at the BSL Zone and
from Scotland
and the British Deaf Association.
See also Interpreter Now.
You will find a lot of information in American Sign Language also –
Try here for example for the Centre for Disease Control ASL series of videos.