By now, everyone everywhere has heard about the Coronavirus also known as Covid 19. Many people are becoming paranoid and joining the pandemonium of stock piling by way of buying multiple bottles of hand sanitisers, hand wash and packs of toilet roll; amid fears that they may be told to quarantine if the situation gets worse in the UK.

Below are pictures of 3 local stores in West London.

Iceland Supermarket was totally out of stock in terms of toilet roll and hand wash yesterday (10/03/20).

In Wilko, hand wash and hand sanitiser were also sold out. But there were a few packs of toilet roll.

As you are reading this, you may be asking yourself; what action should you be taking?

According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), everyone should wash their hands as often as possible, refrain from touching the face in general, especially the eyes, mouth and nose which makes it easier to contract the virus. And at any given opportunity use hand sanitiser, especially on entering buildings where there are large gatherings of people.

For accurate information regarding the situation please read reliable sources such as the WHO website: https://www.who.int/ Here you will find, facts about how people become infected with the Coronavirus, travel advice, and common myths.

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath.

At present people have been circulating all sorts of stories via social media that one can not prove are real or fabricated. It is better to check with reliable sources than to believe misinformation.

Another good source of reliable information is Worldometers https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Here one can get a daily update of where the cases are spreading and a comprehensive worldwide total of cases.

The advice from Magnifique Lifestyle:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

2. Eat well, stay hydrated and look after your general well-being. Minimise stress which contributes to all sicknesses and disease.

3. Carry hand sanitiser with you at all times.

4. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth when you are out in public places.

5. If you are unwell, self quarantine until you are clearly better. Call your GP during work hours or 111 in the UK for out of hours advice; rather than visiting the local GP surgery or hospital. As you may risk infecting others or even worse contracting the Coronavirus or another disease. For clear guidelines read the NHS advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

6. Avoid eating out or takeaway from places where you are not sure of the sanitation.

7. If you do have to travel, check the status of the country before hand. Only travel if it is necessary.

8. Avoid large unnecessary gatherings.

9. Stay informed by legitimate regular updates but do not become obsessed and paranoid.

10. Keep your grocery shopping well stocked, and research online for supermarkets that are fully stocked in terms of what you need. If possible, use alternatives such as EBay or Amazon to avoid stress.

Be positive and have faith that you and your loved ones will be fine, but remember to apply wisdom and take the necessary precautions!