As of today (3 February), 326 tests for 2019-nCoV have been carried out in the UK. An update from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England (PHE) reports that the two cases reported last week remain the only confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV infection in the UK, with the remaining 324 samples testing negative for 2019-nCoV.
Of 1,466 passengers and 95 staff who arrived in the UK on direct flights from Wuhan, China between 10 and 24 January, 1,107 are now considered to be outside the incubation period. A total of 162 passengers and 53 staff had already left the UK before airport infection control measures were introduced.
Last week, PHE issued guidance for primary care professionals encountering a possible case of 2019-nCoV infection. Today, PHE has issued guidance on the investigation and initial clinical management of possible cases of 2019-nCoV.
Among the key points of the guidance are the following:
- Mobile healthcare equipment such as portable x-ray machines should be restricted to essential functions.
- A closed suctioning system must be used.
- Ventilator circuits should not be broken unless necessary.
- Ventilators must be placed on standby when carrying out bagging.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn.
- Water humidification should be avoided, and a heat and moisture exchanger should be used.
Guidance has also been published to assist healthcare professionals in advising the general public regarding the virus.
