Resources for Public Health
Information on the coronavirus outbreak is changing all the time and it can be confusing to try and keep up with the advice. We have collected information on COVID-19 in a number of areas that may be relevant to the public and health professionals. Every effort is made to keep this information as up to date and relevant as possible, but if you have a question about this resource, please contact Dr Jennifer Cole at jennifer.cole@rhul.ac.uk.
Advice for minimising the spread of COVID-19
Wash hands
Using soap and water (hot water is better if available) wash hands for around 20 seconds as often as is practical. Use hand sanitizer regularly if possible.
Wear a face mask
Face masks reduce the risk of the virus spreading by trapping droplets and condensation. Wear a face mask when indoors and away from your household.
Follow physical distancing
Avoid close physical contact with other people. Try to maintain a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others at all times.
Coughing
Cough into a tissue that can be immediately discarded and, if this is not possible, cough into your elbow to avoid the virus being on hands.
Touch-based transmission
Avoid touching surfaces that may not have not been cleaned regularly. Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes as much as possible.
Watch out for symptoms
Symptoms include a dry, persistent cough with a high temperature and a loss of smell or taste. Those with symptoms should self-isolate for 7 days, and any family members in the same household should self-isolate for 14 days.
Advice on coping with physical distancing measures
Mental health
Anxiety about the disease itself, the economic consequences it might cause and the disruption it may have on daily lives is understandable and can be exacerbated by isolation caused by self-distancing and lockdowns. Physical distancing does not have to mean social isolation: online communication is important for maintaining psychological well-being.
Physical activity
Self-isolation at home can mean a considerable reduction in physical activity. Daily exercise will help to maintain physical and mental well-being.
WHO advice for the public on the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19 infographics, visual information on the COVID-19 outbreak from the WHO.
COVID-19 Information and Updates
Information from Johns Hopkins University on the outbreak. This resource has a symptom checker.
Regularly-uploaded videos from Imperial College London on the current state of the epidemic.
For those concerned they’ve been exposed to COVID-19, this leaflet provides information on how to self-isolate effectively.
Advice from the WHO on using face masks around people who have COVID-19.
Coronavirus: Do face masks actually work?
BBC video on the effectiveness of face masks in protecting you from contracting COVID-19.
Information on how to make, wear and clean a face mask.
Several ways to make a face mask, including a no-sew version.
Provides information on whether your symptoms match those of COVID-19, and advice on what to do if you think you may have the virus.
A tool from the Wellness Society to help you manage anxiety caused by the pandemic.
FREE course from Healbright on easing anxiety caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak
Support and advice from Lifeline on managing your wellbeing during this outbreak.
Living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty
Guide from Psychology Tools to help you manage anxiety about the outbreak, including several practical exercises.
Action for Happiness Coping Calendar
30 actions to help you look after yourself and others during the outbreak.
Reddit forum for discussing the novel coronavirus.
Reddit forum for Africa-specific coronavirus discussion.
Reddit forum for discussing the latest scientific advances in fighting the outbreak.
Reddit forum offering support to those anxious about the coronavirus outbreak.
Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
A collection of resources with advice on COVID-19 specific to parents.
Homeschooling resources for children
Homeschool curriculum, resources and printables for children under 10.
Simple sign containing isolation and containment instructions for healthcare professionals and visitors, available in multiple languages.
Resources for Public Health Officials
Resources from The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) on COVID-19.
Gov.uk: Infection Prevention and Control
Guidance on controlling infection and spread of COVID-19.
Key Considerations: Quarantine
Information from Social Science in Humanitarian Action on quarantine as an intervention.
WHO Technical Guidance: Quarantine
Advice from the WHO on implementing quarantine policies.
This resource is managed by Students for Planetary Health, on behalf of the Planetary Health Alliance Regional Hubs.
