A UK-wide campaign has been launched offering the public advice on how to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus after Britain's first two confirmed cases.

The advice - in radio and print media as well as on social media - promotes the importance of hygiene practices in a similar way to the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign used for flu and norovirus.

The public have been told:

Always carry a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and bin it after use

Wash hands with soap and water or use sanitiser gel

If you have arrived back from China within 14 days, follow the specific advice for returning travellers

Anyone who has travelled from anywhere else in China to the UK (not including Macao or Hong Kong) in the last 14 days, and develops symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, is being told to immediately self-isolate, even if symptoms are minor, and call NHS 111.

Those in Northern Ireland should call their GP.


Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing, but in a statement, the government said the current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government is "doing everything we can to protect the public" - but added that "we can all play our part".

Image: The nationwide campaign targets radio, newspapers and social media

He said: "Our highly trained and experienced clinicians are working round the clock to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK.

"The government has detailed plans for how to deal with an outbreak like this. Lots of people are asking what they can do to help stop the spread of the virus.

"Basic hygiene such as washing our hands regularly and using tissues when we cough and sneeze can play an important role in minimising the spread of viruses like this.

Life inside the UK's coronavirus quarantine

"While two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, our world-class NHS is well prepared to manage these types of incidents.

"The UK is extremely well prepared for any potential outbreak of an infectious disease - we are one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus."

Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?

The UK's first two confirmed cases of coronavirus are members of the same family and fell ill while staying at a hotel in York. One of them is a student at the University of York.

They are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and health authorities are urgently trying to trace anyone who has come into contact with them.

:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

More than 300 people have died from the coronavirus and more than 14,000 people have been infected.

As well as China, where the deadly outbreak began, at least 25 other countries have reported cases including the US, Russia, France, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.