Coronavirus infection prevention in care settings

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. The incubation period is 2–14 days and symptoms of COVID-19 infection include:

• dry cough

• difficulty in breathing

• fever.

The COVID-19 virus is highly infectious and care home residents are considered especially vulnerable to its effects. Most people only suffer mild symptoms. However, those aged over 70 and those with suppressed immune systems or underlying medical conditions are at much greater risk of severe complications that may prove fatal.