Coronavirus has been declared a public health emergency across the world, having spread to more than 75 countries and infecting a total of 92,288 people. Public Health England has published medical advice helping to minimise your risk of catching the killer infection. Express.co.uk has compiled a guide to help you clean your contact lense safely amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The British government revealed up to a fifth of the UK workforce could be on sick leave during the peak of a coronavirus outbreak according to its latest plans.

As cases rose from 39 to 51 on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned it is “highly likely” the UK will see further infections.

The PM spoke of the next phase of the Government’s contingency plan which aims to delay the spread of the killer virus.

If COVID-19 becomes widespread, some non-urgent hospital care may be delayed to focus on those who are infected, as well as recently retired doctors and nurses may be called back to work.

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The Government’s plan also includes reducing police remit to just very serious crimes and instead refocussing police on maintaining public order.

Social distancing strategies could be implemented, which would include school closures, home-working, and reducing the number of large scale gatherings.

A new distribution strategy for key medicines and equipment would be arranged for sending out materials to the NHS and social care patients.

Measures would be implemented to assist businesses with short-term cash flow problems.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that widespread transmission of the virus across the UK was becoming “more likely” and urged people to “act on official medical advice”.

Your eyes might play an important role in the spread and prevention of a coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

In January, a Peking University physician who contracted the killer infection said he believed he had become infected after wearing inadequate eye protection while treating patients.

Peking University respiratory specialist Wang Guangfa reported his left eye became inflamed after he worked with infected patients and was followed by a fever and a buildup of mucus in his nose and throat.

He was subsequently diagnosed with coronavirus and according to the South China Morning Post has said he believes the virus entered his left eye because he wasn’t wearing protective eyewear.

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Medical officials, however, have said while this is possible, it may be unlikely.

Physicians have said it is “plausible but unlikely” to have spread throughout hand-to-eye contact.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, anecdotal reports suggest that the new outbreak of coronavirus can cause conjunctivitis and possibly be transmitted by aerosol contact with the conjunctiva.

So to cut down your risk medical officials say you should avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

But how can you clean your contact lenses properly amid the coronavirus outbreak?

• Cleaning and using your contact lenses correctly will ensure your eyes are kept healthy and remain free from infections.
• When you are using and cleaning your lenses you should do the following:
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses.
• Only ever wear your contacts for the recommended time.
• Always have an up-to-date pair of glasses for when you take your lenses out.
• Have regular contact lens check-ups, even if everything seems to be working correctly.
• Get advice straight away if you have any problems with your contact lenses, such as sore, red or swollen eyes.

You should also avoid the following:

• Do not wear any contact lenses, including novelty lenses, that have not been properly fitted to your eyes.
• Do not put water or saliva on your lenses or in your eye when you are wearing them.
• Do not pick up a dropped lens and put it straight back into your eye without cleaning it thoroughly.
• Do not carry on wearing your lenses if they do not look good, feel good or your vision is blurry
• use a lens if it looks damaged.
• Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless your contact lens practitioner says it is OK to do so.
• Do not wear your lenses while swimming or playing water sports.
• Avoid wearing your lenses in the shower or a hot tub.
• Do not wear someone else’s contact lenses or share your lenses with anyone.
• Do not reuse a daily disposable lens.
• Avoid using eye drops while wearing your lenses unless your contact lens practitioner or ophthalmologist says it is safe to do this.

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