Coronavirus

Coronavirus update

This briefing is to provide members with an update on advice and PCS actions in relation to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Background

Members will no doubt be aware of the outbreak of the Coronavirus in Wuhan, China and its subsequent spread around the globe which has resulted in the World Health Organisation declaring a World Health Emergency. You will all also be aware that there have now been two confirmed cases of the virus in the UK as well as the quarantining of some 80 UK nationals/residents who have returned to this country from the Wuhan region.

The response from a Home Office perspective has been led by Border Force senior management with support from other impacted areas, in particular Immigration Enforcement. There have been several global e-mails issued by Border Force and local regions have issued their own bespoke advice to staff. Further detailed guidance has also now appeared on Horizon. PCS would encourage all members to read the Horizon article and links as well as being cognisant of all local communications.

It is important to stress that PCS cannot give health advice regarding Coronavirus. We are simply not qualified to do so and would recommend all members with concerns to refer to the Public Health England (PHE) website or the links now available on Horizon.

Actions

PCS has engaged with senior managers within Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and the Home Office Health & Safety Network. As you would expect we have pushed for as much information and advice as possible to be communicated as quickly as practicable whilst appreciating that this is a rapidly developing and changing situation. We have sought assurances regarding the likelihood of members encountering affected passengers/members of the public, the incubation period of the virus and any appropriate PPE that could be worn to mitigate any risk of contagion.

Assessments are underway to determine just how contagious the virus is, as well as it’s likely incubation period, so there is no straightforward answer to one of the key questions – can anyone suffering from the virus be easily identified. Extreme care and vigilance are recommended.

In terms of PPE, despite the prevalence of emergency service workers and people in other countries donning face masks, the advice from PHE is that the wearing of such masks is counter-productive as they provide negligible protection and can serve as a collection point for germs. Plastic gloves are also not recommended by PHE. The specific advice on Horizon refers to the need for frequent hand washing as well keeping equipment and desk tops as clean as practicable. This may prove problematic in remote locations (e.g. enforcement visits) and PCS has suggested some form of portable hygiene kits as a solution.

Going forward, we would strongly advise all members working in roles where they may encounter passengers/members of the public travelling from South East Asia and who are suffering from pre-existing conditions (pregnancy, chest related ailments are obvious examples) which increase their vulnerability to contracting the virus, to inform their line managers at the first available opportunity. PCS has been assured that all concerns will be addressed sympathetically.

Coronavirus will be discussed at the forthcoming BF and IE National Health & Safety meetings. PCS will be represented at both forums.

Please continue to be aware of all Departmental communications on this subject and please let your Branch Officers or me know if you have any further concerns.

Martin Andrews (Assistant Group Secretary)

Recommendations for the public from the World Health Organisation (WHO)

During previous outbreaks due to other coronavirus eg. Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), human-to-human transmission occurred through droplets, contact and fomites*, suggesting that the transmission mode of the 2019-nCoV can be similar. The basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections include the following:

• Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
• Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment.
• Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
• People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).
• Within healthcare facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.

WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travellers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.

*any material, such as bedding or clothing, that may harbour pathogens and therefore convey disease (Collins English Dictionary)