Coronavirus – useful information
Given the huge coverage of Coronavirus (COVID-19)  in the UK news, unless you have been on a completely different planet, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve never heard of it or have no idea what it is. According to a statement from BEF ‘There is presently no rationale to close or cancel equestrian events, but this may change as the situation evolves’.
At this point we really don’t know is how it might affect the equine industry, and in particular, those working in the equine industry. Here, we gather together some basic information on Covid-19, along with links to further useful information. We all have a lot to lose by fuelling what seems to be a lot of hysteria around the situation currently, so yes, we do need to stay calm and carry on!
So… What is Coronavirus?
The NHS states:
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How is Coronavirus spread?
The NHS states:
Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how Covid-19 spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
How to avoid catching Coronavirus
Advice on the NHS website is:
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
If you have concerns that you may have come into contact with an infected person you can get professional, medical advice on Coronavirus by using the dedicated NHS 111 Coronavirus service by clicking here.
Workers: how might Coronavirus affect my job?
Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, offers advice to both employers and employees on their website. This includes:
- What to do if someone falls ill at work
- What happens if a workplace needs to close
- Sick Pay
Employers: how might Coronavirus affect my business?
CIPD, the professional body for experts in people at work, has a good deal of information on Covid-19 and its potential impact on the workplace of all industries on their website. This includes:
- Coronavirus FAQ’s
- Coronavirus Support Materials
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for UK employers
You can read and download the “Coronavirus advice for UK employers” by clicking here.
Can Coronavirus be transmitted to or by horses or dogs?
Horses can contract a version of Coronavirus but it is important to remember that this is not the same strain of Coronavirus (COVID-19) that humans can contract. You cannot catch Coronavirus from your horse and your horse cannot catch it from you! Read more about Equine Coronavirus on the Veterinary Record website.
David Harris BVSc MRCVS advises on VetHelpDirect that, as with horses, while dogs and cats can contract certain strains of Coronavirus there is no evidence that they can contract the COVID-19 strain that is currently affecting humans.
Read the latest information and advice on COVID-19 on the UK Government website by clicking here.
Read about COVID-19 on the World Health Organisation website by clicking here.
If you are concerned about filling your job vacancy or your search for a new job, please contact us.
 