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Coronavirus: Eleven of your most popular questions, answered Coronavirus: Should people work from home, and other questions answered
(2 days later)
More than 110 countries have now reported coronavirus cases and the World Health Organization has declared the spread of the virus a pandemic. The UK government is now focusing on delaying the spread of coronavirus. But what might an outbreak mean for you, your job and your finances?
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 coronavirus questions by using the form at the bottom of this article).
1. What is the incubation period for the coronavirus? - Gillian Gibs I run a small business. At what point should I tell people to work from home? - Kieren Johnstone, Horsham
It takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms, scientists have said, but some people will get symptoms much later than this. It's really all about following government advice at this stage.
The incubation period lasts up to 14 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. But some researchers say it may be up to 24 days. Many firms are already trialling home-working for office-based staff before any potential quarantine. This lets them test home working in a controlled way, before having to do it for real.
Knowing and understanding the incubation period is very important. It allows doctors and health authorities to introduce more effective ways to control the spread of the virus. As a small business, you'll also need to think about your the way you are supplied, travel and your cashflow.
2. If you recover from coronavirus are you immune? RubyRed on Twitter. Also, check your insurance. Does the small print include business interruption cover? If so, does your policy have an extension for "notifiable diseases"? Also, check if coronavirus is covered.
Well, it is too soon to tell. This virus has only been around since the end of December, but from experience with other viruses and coronaviruses you should have antibodies to the virus which will protect you. I'm self-employed. Can I claim benefits if I can't work due to the virus? - Mark Gribby, Nottingham
With Sars and other coronaviruses we tended not to see reinfection. Now there are some reports from China of people who are released from hospital subsequently testing positive but we're not sure about those tests. Self-employed people who have symptoms or have been told to self-isolate may apply for two benefits, Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.
However, the key thing was those people were no longer infectious. But charities are worried that there is still a five-week delay before Universal Credit is paid.
3. What are the differences between coronavirus and flu? - Brent Starr, Gresham, Oregon, US People claiming Universal Credit can be paid early to help them until they receive their first payment. However, this will be taken off future benefit payments.
Coronavirus and flu share many similar symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without a test. Unfortunately, those who are self-employed cannot get Statutory Sick Pay because that is paid by an employer.
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. Will lenders be allowing people with mortgages to delay payments during the outbreak? - Clare Waters
People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the NHS 111 phone service for further advice. They should not go to their GP, or A&E. Some banks, including NatWest and TSB, are offering customers affected by coronavirus the ability to delay their mortgage payments.
In Scotland, check NHS inform, then ring your GP in office hours, or 111 out-of-hours. In Wales call NHS 111, and in Northern Ireland, call your GP. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis, a bit like the process of helping customers in financial difficulty.
4. What does self-isolation involve? - Alan Gell, Cheshire Payments will be delayed for two or three months. So, it is important to bear in mind that any interest and capital repayments which are missed, will be added to the mortgage balance.
Self-isolation means staying at home for 14 days, not going to work, school or other public places, and avoiding public transport or taxis. You should also stay separate from other people in your home. Most probably, any future monthly mortgage bills will be slightly higher.
Ask for help if you need groceries, other shopping or medication dropped off - you can have doorstep deliveries, but you shouldn't have any visitors. What will landlords do if coronavirus means people can't pay their rent? - The Urban Troopers via Twitter
You should even try to stay away from your pets - if that isn't possible, wash your hands before and after touching them. At the moment, landlords are not being forced to allow tenants to delay paying their rent.
You can read more about self-isolating here. But they are being encouraged to be sympathetic if tenants have to self-isolate, or are laid off work and take a hit to their income.
5. How dangerous is coronavirus for people with asthma? - Lesley-Anne, Falkirk, UK The Residential Landlords Association says its members should discuss the problem with tenants, be flexible and arrange for money they owe to be repaid when things return to normal.
Respiratory infections, such as coronavirus, can trigger the symptoms of asthma. Most affected tenants, it says, will be in genuine hardship and suffering stress.
Asthma UK advises those who are concerned about the virus to follow a series of steps to manage their asthma. What if you're not on a salary and can't work from home if your workplace closes? - Joseph, Glasgow
These include taking a preventer inhaler daily as prescribed. This helps cut the risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any respiratory virus, including coronavirus. If you are employed, your employer has an obligation to pay your Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks.
6. If schools are closed will there be financial help available for parents? - Richard, Eastleigh Normally, you would be eligible after four days of being ill. However, the government has responded to the spread of coronavirus by saying that companies will temporarily pay Statutory Sick Pay from the first day off.
In the case of small employers, the government will fund sick pay for the first 14 days,
Eligible employees are entitled to £94.25 a week.
I am buying a house. What if one party self-isolates after exchanging contracts? - Linda Lawford, Totton
When you exchange contracts for a property, you have made a contract. You would be liable to lose your deposit if you fail to complete the sale and, possibly, face a claim for damages.
In exceptional circumstances, the buyer and seller can agree to delay in completing the sale.
However, self-isolating would not necessarily mean you could not complete. This final step could be done over the phone or online.
At what point will the government advise people not to travel in confined spaces? - Lou Doret, Exeter
When its health experts advise it to do so. However, this might never happen.
For now, transport bosses in the UK say they're reviewing cleaning procedures. Transport for London says it's using a more powerful disinfectant.
Meanwhile, it's been announced that a London Underground train driver has tested positive for coronavirus.
Passenger numbers on trains have fallen as more people work at home.
Will panic buying continue to affect supermarkets? - Thomas, Porthmadog
The issue has been getting stock onto shelves quick enough to fill the gaps as shoppers strip them bare of certain products.
There has been a specific problem with hand sanitisers, where demand has outstripped supply.
But overall, the key message is that we're not going to run out of food. Shoppers should buy what they need.
If things take a serious turn for the worse, all our supermarkets have plans in place to keep us fed. The big challenge will be doing this with potentially far fewer workers.
If schools are closed will there be financial help available for parents? - Richard, Eastleigh
Employers have to give you time off to deal with a domestic emergency, but they don't have to pay you.Employers have to give you time off to deal with a domestic emergency, but they don't have to pay you.
The time you take has to be a reasonable amount. You can apply for some unpaid leave as well.The time you take has to be a reasonable amount. You can apply for some unpaid leave as well.
And the government has relaxed the rules for applying for benefits if you have coronavirus.And the government has relaxed the rules for applying for benefits if you have coronavirus.
7. Can coronavirus be transmitted by door handles and how long does it survive? - Jean Jimenez, Panama
If someone infected with the virus coughs on to their hand and then touches something, that surface may become contaminated.
Door handles are a good example of a surface that might pose a risk.
Experts think that coronavirus can survive on surfaces, possibly for days. So it is best to wash your hands regularly to help reduce the risk of infection and spread of the virus.
8. Is 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.
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.
There are a number of ways to help you avoid catching or spreading the virus.
9. 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 it does not "recommend the use of face masks as a means of protection from coronavirus". It says 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 touching your face - is vastly more effective.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
10. What is the risk to children? - Louise, London
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 either 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.
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 14 countries have already been shut, while another 13 have closed some schools.
11. Can you catch the virus from food prepared by an infected individual? - Sean McIntyre, Brisbane, Australia
Someone infected with coronavirus could potentially pass it on to someone else if the food they prepare has not been handled hygienically.
Coronavirus can be spread by cough droplets on hands.
Washing your hands before touching and eating food is good advice for anyone, to stop the spread of germs.
What questions do you have about the coronavirus?What questions do you have about the coronavirus?
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