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Coronavirus: Is it safe to use swimming pools, and other questions Coronavirus: Is it safe to use swimming pools, and other questions
(32 minutes later)
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,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 are the answers to a selection of readers' questions. (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).
Is it safe to swim in a public pool? - Annette, ChesterIs it safe to swim in a public pool? - Annette, Chester
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.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.
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.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.
And someone with the virus could also spread it to others through coughs and sneezes if they come into close contact.And someone with the virus could also spread it to others through coughs and sneezes if they come into close contact.
Beyond that, there are a number of ways to help you avoid catching or spreading the virus. There are a number of ways to help you avoid catching or spreading the virus.
We have booked a holiday to an affected region of Italy. Should we still go? - Susan Calder, GlasgowWe 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.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.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.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.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, StockportAre 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.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.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, LondonWhat 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.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.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.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?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, ManchesterShould 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.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,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.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.
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.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.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.
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: