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The difference between social distancing and self-isolation
Social distancing and self-isolation will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 between people.

Government advice for all UK residents

The UK government has asked everyone in the country to practise social distancing, limiting contact with other people and avoiding unnecessary travel. Whereas anyone displaying flu-like symptoms – or anyone living with someone who is – is being told to self-isolate. This article will clarify what these two phrases mean for all of us.

 

Social distancing

Everyone in the UK is being asked to take social distancing steps, to reduce transmission of COVID-19 between people. Social distancing means trying to avoid contact with other people by avoiding public spaces where possible. The government issued guidance states that this should include:

  • avoiding contact with anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19
  • limiting use of public transport
  • working from home, where possible
  • avoiding social venues such as pubs, clubs and theatres.

These actions should be carried out in addition to increased handwashing and good respiratory hygiene. The government is advising people who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to be particularly strict in following social distancing measures.

 

Self-isolation

According to the government advice, anyone experiencing a persistent cough or high temperature should self-isolate at home for seven days. The NHS has stated that after seven days, if you still have a cough but no temperature, you no longer need to stay at home.

If you live with someone who has symptoms, the government states that you should self-isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started, as it can take 14 days for symptoms to appear.

Self-isolation will help to contain any possible cases of COVID-19 and will limit the spread to other people, most crucially, those who are considered ‘at risk’.

If you are self-isolating, you should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people. In practical terms this means you should:

  • stay at home
  • not go to work, school or public areas
  • not use public transport
  • avoid having visitors at your home
  • ask friends and family members to retrieve essentials like groceries and medications. Or use delivery services.

People who are self-isolating are being asked not to call their GP or NHS 111 to report their symptoms. If your condition worsens or you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, government guidance states that you should use the NHS 111 online service or call 111 if you cannot get help online.

For more information, please visit www.gov.uk

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.