About the virus


Information about the virus

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. The incubation period of COVID-19 is between 2 and 14 days. This means that if a person remains well 14 days after contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus, it is unlikely that they have been infected.


The symptoms of coronavirus are:


However, if you have these symptoms it does not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

How it is spread and preventing the spread of infection

The spread of COVID-19 is most likely to happen when there is close contact (within 2 metres) with an infected person. These are some of the things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading:


  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately.
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.



Please also see our Coronavirus latest updatesStay alert guidance and Further information and FAQs webpages.