B&M Care would like to reassure our residents, their families, our staff and visitors that in line with our 'Coronavirus Strategy: B&M Care', we are prepared for any suspected outbreak in accordance with published NHS Guidelines.

This includes the potential identification and diagnosis of the virus in someone connected to one of our care homes or Head Office.

B&M Care kindly asks any visitors who have returned from countries including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Northern Italy, and Republic of Korea, or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, to avoid visiting our care homes in line with new guidance to prevent virus spreading among older and vulnerable people.

'Coronavirus Strategy: B&M Care' has been sent company-wide and includes: the background and origin of the novel coronavirus; transmission, symptoms and risk; communicating updates; infection control; staffing; and care of infected residents.

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.

Typical symptoms of coronavirus include: headache, fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. The symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses, including common cold and flu.

Similar to cold and flu, coronavirus is spread via respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets land on surfaces and are picked up on the hands of others and spread further. It follows that the single most important thing a person can do to protect themselves is to keep hands clean and wash them regularly (see image below), as well as covering your sneeze or cough with a disposable tissue and avoid close contact (kisses, hugs) with people who are unwell.

For more information and latest updates, please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public