Coronavirus Information Pack: Protecting our Interpreters
The health and safety of our interpreters hold great significance for us. As the Coronavirus is becoming more widespread, we want to ensure that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and to reduce the risk of infection. At Absolute Interpreting and Translations, we provide regular language services for the NHS, which is why we want to make sure that our interpreters are safe and capable of continuing to deliver their services during a time when it is needed most.
Important Advice from the NHS
We are a trusted language service provider for the NHS and we want to abide by their advice. The NHS’s current actions request those who have travelled to any of the affected countries or have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with Coronavirus to:
- Not visit any hospitals
Therefore, we are asking all interpreters who have travelled to an affected country or have had contact with an infected person within the last 14 days to:
- Call 111 immediately and explain their situation
- Not attend any bookings until they are cleared
- Avoid contact with other people
- Isolate themselves for the recommended period of time (14 days)
However, if you have not visited an affected country and have not had contact with an infected person, then you can continue with your bookings as normal.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
The first outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was reported from Wuhan, China, on 31st December 2019.
Specified countries with implications for any returning travellers or visitors arriving in the UK
Below is the current list of countries and areas where there have been a significant number of Coronavirus cases.
Category 1: Travellers should isolate themselves, even if asymptomatic[1], and call 111 immediately and inform them of the situation.
Category 2: Travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they do develop symptoms then they should isolate themselves and call 111 immediately.
Wuhan city and Hubei Province (China)
Iran
Daegu or Cheongdo (Republic of Korea)
Any Italian town under containment measures
Cambodia
China*
Hong Kong
Italy: north*
Japan
Laos
Macau
Malaysia
Myanmar
Republic of Korea*
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam
*Except areas of the country specifically referred to in Category 1.
The guidance for Italy, Iran, Daegu or Cheongdo (Republic of Korea), Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam applies to individuals who returned from these specific areas on or after 19th February 2020.
How to self-isolate effectively?
- Stay at home for 14 days – do not go to work, school or other public places
- Have your groceries, medication or other shopping delivered to your doorstep
- Avoid close contact with other people
- Stay in a well ventilated room with a window that can open – try to stay in a room which other people do not enter
If you live with other people, then we understand that you may not be able to separate yourself from family members or flatmates. However, the goal is to limit close contact as much as possible.
- Avoid sharing towels or toiletries with a person in isolation
- If possible, use separate bathrooms. If this cannot be done, then the isolated person should be the last one to use the bathroom
- Regarding any rubbish that the isolated person has handled, ensure that it is double bagged. Do not throw their rubbish away until you know if they have the virus or not. If the isolated person tests positive, then call 111 immediately and you will be advised as to what you should do.
Who should isolate themselves?
- Travellers arriving in the UK from either category 1 or category 2 countries
- Individuals waiting for their Coronavirus test result
- Individuals who have been in close contact with a diagnosed person
Symptoms of Coronavirus
The symptoms of Coronavirus are as follows:
- Cough
- High temperature
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
Please note that even if you experience any of these symptoms, it does not mean that you have the illness.
But if you are concerned, then do not visit your GP, pharmacy or hospital, rather call 111 immediately.
Reduce the risk of infection
By following a few simple measures, you will be able to reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Maintain distance from those with flu like symptoms
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose
- If you have a fever, a cough or breathing difficulties, then seek medical assistance immediately
- Stay home if you feel unwell
- Stay informed and follow advice
For more information:
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Gov: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
Document prepared by: Mariah Hussain
[1] Definition of asymptomatic: producing or showing no symptoms
