Pictured: The States of Guernsey website has a new dedicated page on coronavirus. It can be accessed HERE.

As well as general advice about the virus, the webpage contains details of affected areas, what to do if you have recently returned from one of these areas area, advice on travel and our local response to the situation.

So far there have been no suspected cases in the Bailiwick, but there are increasing numbers of confirmed cases in a number of different countries across the world.

People travelling back to the UK from China or other affected countries are being held in quarantine on their return until they are given a clean bill of health. 

Anyone who is travelling to the Bailiwick from an affected area, and who shows symptoms of having a fever, cough or shortness of breath should telephone the Emergency Department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital or your GP. You should tell them of your recent travel and the symptoms you are experiencing but you should not attend in person unless asked to.

If you are very unwell, you should phone the ambulance service on 999 and advise them of your symptoms and travel history.

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health said:

"This is a rapidly evolving situation and HSC is working with other States Committees to ensure that we are prepared for cases locally. As transmission of the virus has now occurred outside of China, and there may be undiagnosed cases in the UK, it would be prudent for Islanders to take simple precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses."

Public Health Services will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. In the meantime HSC is advising that everyone should always take simple daily precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness. These include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and have travelled to an area affected by the novel coronavirus.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Follow good hygiene practices: cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use tissues only once, disposing of them promptly and carefully, wash hands frequently.