This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-51176409

The article has changed 94 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 28 Version 29
Coronavirus: Should you disinfect your phone, and other questions Coronavirus: Is it safe to use swimming pools, and other questions
(4 days later)
The UK is continuing to work on its response to the coronavirus outbreak after more than 100 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease. More than 110 countries have now reported coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization says the threat of a pandemic is a "very real" but that the planet is not at its mercy,
Here is a selection of readers' questions about the virus and the outbreak. (Let us know your questions by using the form at the bottom of this article). Here are the answers to a selection of readers' questions. (Let us know your questions by using the form at the bottom of this article).
Should people disinfect their phone? - Chris, Penzance Is it safe to swim in a public pool? - Annette, Chester
Coronavirus is believed to be transferred between people in droplets from coughs and sneezes. But experts think that it can survive on surfaces, possibly for days. The water in most swimming pools contains chlorine, a chemical which can kill viruses. So it should be safe to use a swimming pool as long as it is properly chlorinated.
So it's important that your phone - at home, mobile or at work - is cleaned thoroughly and often. However, you could still catch the virus from an infected person in a changing-room or building if they contaminate surfaces, such as door handles.
All the major phone-makers warn against cleaning your phone with alcohol, hand sanitiser or sterilising wipes, because it can damage the protective coating on the screen. And someone with the virus could also spread it to others through coughs and sneezes if they come into close contact.
Damaging this layer could make it easier for germs to stick to the device. Beyond that, there are a number of ways to help you avoid catching or spreading the virus.
Modern phones tend to be water-resistant, so you could clean your phone with regular soap and water and a single-use paper towel - but do check your phone is water-resistant before you try it. We have booked a holiday to an affected region of Italy. Should we still go? - Susan Calder, Glasgow
The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to Italy.
People travelling against government advice risk invalidating their travel insurance, says the Association of British Insurers (ABI). They advise those seeking to travel to the affected areas to speak to their travel insurer.
The travel agents' trade association, Abta, says people booked on a package holiday to the region in the next few days should be offered an alternative, or a refund by their tour operator.
Any compensation for those who have booked flights only will depend on the type of insurance cover they have arranged, the ABI says.
Are otherwise healthy disabled people more at risk of dying from coronavirus? - Abigail Ireland, Stockport
Coronavirus can be more severe in older people and those with pre-existing conditions. These include heart and lung illnesses, and diabetes.
There is no evidence that disabled people who are otherwise healthy - and who don't, for instance, have respiratory problems - are at greater risk of dying from, or with, coronavirus.
What should I do if someone I live with is self-isolating? - Graham Wright, London
The NHS advises anyone self-isolating that only people who live with them should be allowed to stay.
It also says that the person who suspects they have coronavirus should keep contact with others in the house to a minimum. If possible, they should not stay in the same room.
Any shared crockery and eating utensils should be cleaned thoroughly after use, as should bathrooms and surfaces.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
Should I start wearing a mask to limit my chance of spreading or contracting the virus? - Ann Hardman, Radcliffe, Manchester
Although doctors and surgeons often wear face masks, there is little evidence that wearing face masks by the public makes a difference.
Public Health England has said "they do not recommend the use of face masks as a means of protection from coronavirus". They say there is very little evidence of widespread benefit from their use outside of clinical settings,
Experts say good hygiene - such as regularly washing your hands and certainly before putting them near your mouth - is vastly more effective.
What is the risk to children? - Louise, LondonWhat is the risk to children? - Louise, London
In general, children appear to be relatively unaffected by coronavirus, according to data from China.In general, children appear to be relatively unaffected by coronavirus, according to data from China.
This may be because they are able to shake off the infection or have no symptoms or only very mild ones similar to a cold.This may be because they are able to shake off the infection or have no symptoms or only very mild ones similar to a cold.
However, children with underlying lung problems, such as asthma, may have to be more careful, as the virus could trigger an attack.However, children with underlying lung problems, such as asthma, may have to be more careful, as the virus could trigger an attack.
For most children, though, it will be a respiratory infection like any other and no cause for alarm.For most children, though, it will be a respiratory infection like any other and no cause for alarm.
The UK government would have the power to close schools to prevent the spread of the virus, if it wanted. Schools in Italy and Iran have already been shut.The UK government would have the power to close schools to prevent the spread of the virus, if it wanted. Schools in Italy and Iran have already been shut.
Can the virus spread on notes and coins? - David Webber, DorsetCan the virus spread on notes and coins? - David Webber, Dorset
The Chinese government has said that cash received by all banks must be sterilised before being released to customers, in order to reduce the spread of the disease.The Chinese government has said that cash received by all banks must be sterilised before being released to customers, in order to reduce the spread of the disease.
Using contactless cards can minimise the risk of handling cash. However, these cards can also harbour germs and viruses.Using contactless cards can minimise the risk of handling cash. However, these cards can also harbour germs and viruses.
Best practice is to wash your hands thoroughly after handling cards, coins or banknotes.Best practice is to wash your hands thoroughly after handling cards, coins or banknotes.
Would the government close UK borders to stem the virus's spread? - Emma, Dagenham
Although some countries, including Australia and the US, have introduced travel restrictions on some areas with coronavirus outbreaks, the UK has no plans to close its borders.
The government says that it wants to keep people safe while minimising the social and economic impact of any outbreak.
If flights to and from other countries were cancelled, people could always find other ways of getting to the UK. That's the view of the World Health Organization, too: it is not in favour of trade and travel restrictions to countries with coronavirus outbreaks, because it says it's just not effective.
Currently, all flights and sea vessels arriving in the UK must provide a declaration stating that their passengers are well. The Foreign Office is providing advice to British nationals abroad and to those planning to travel.
What are the differences between coronavirus and flu? - Brent Starr, Gresham, Oregon, USWhat are the differences between coronavirus and flu? - Brent Starr, Gresham, Oregon, US
Coronavirus and flu share many similar symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without a test. The main coronavirus symptoms to look out for are fever and a cough. Flu often has other symptoms too, such as a sore throat, while people with coronavirus may feel short of breath. Coronavirus and flu share many similar symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without a test.
The main coronavirus symptoms to look out for are fever and a cough. Flu often has other symptoms too, such as a sore throat, while people with coronavirus may feel short of breath.
Anyone who suspects they may have caught coronavirus should not visit their GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Instead, they should call 111 to speak to someone.Anyone who suspects they may have caught coronavirus should not visit their GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Instead, they should call 111 to speak to someone.
How are exam boards preparing in case schools have to close? - Amanda, Berkshire
Exam boards across the UK currently say there are no changes to timetables and that students, schools and colleges should prepare for exams as normal.
England's exams watchdog Ofqual, SQA in Scotland,Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland say they are monitoring the situation closely.
Exams in Scotland start at the end of April and in the other three countries in early May.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
If my husband and I got the virus, could our pets be infected? - Pat Jackson
No. According to the World Health Organization there is no evidence that coronavirus can be transmitted between humans and family pets.
Coronaviruses occur in almost all animal species, including humans. They are usually specific to a single species and transmission between species is very uncommon.
Although you cannot be infected by the breath or cough of a pet, you could potentially catch coronavirus from the fur of an animal touched, or coughed on, by an infected person.
But you should still make sure that after touching your pets you wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Pets can carry bacteria like E.coli and salmonella and these bugs can pass between pets and humans.
What questions do you have about the coronavirus?What questions do you have about the coronavirus?
In some cases, your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.In some cases, your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
Use this form to ask your question:Use this form to ask your question: