Coronaviruses have been associated for many years with outbreaks and sporadic cases of the common cold during the winter and early spring every year. These viruses cause mild upper respiratory tract symptoms and rarely require hospitalisation.

Over the last 10 years other coronaviruses have emerged which may be associated with severe symptoms and death. The procedures for containing potential outbreaks of these viruses follow the pattern established to deal with any outbreak of serious respiratory infection.

The Health Protection Agency leads on the public health response through on-going surveillance which aims to rapidly detect and laboratory investigate possible cases. Once a confirmed case is identified strict isolation measures are implemented. Close contacts of confirmed cases are identified and followed up for the relevant period of time.

If contacts develop a respiratory illness in this period of interest, they are asked to self-isolate (if in the community) or are isolated (if in hospital). These procedures were followed in response to recent United Kingdom cases of novel coronavirus.