Preparedness
Public Health Incidents
Public Health Incidents
Public health incidents can affect everyday life, place pressure on local services and impact the health of individuals and communities. Preparing in advance and following advice from health authorities can help you protect yourself, support vulnerable people and reduce disruption during an incident.
What You Can Do
Follow advice from the NHS, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), your local authority and other official sources. Guidance may change as more information becomes available.
Reduce the risk of spreading illness
If you feel unwell, limit contact with other people where possible and follow current NHS or UKHSA guidance, including any testing or isolation advice.
Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your arm, dispose of used tissues promptly and clean your hands afterwards.
Improve ventilation
Open windows or doors when it is safe and practical to do so. Good ventilation helps reduce the spread of infection, particularly in shared indoor spaces.
Clean shared spaces and items
Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid sharing personal items such as towels, cups and eating utensils if illness is suspected.
Keep essential supplies available
Keep a sensible supply of prescription medicines, first-aid items, food, drinking water and household essentials. Avoid stockpiling, which can contribute to shortages.
Keep vaccinations up to date
Take up NHS vaccination offers and follow official advice on any additional vaccinations or treatments recommended during an outbreak.
Know how to get medical help
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 and inform emergency responders of any suspected infectious illness.
Protect people at greater risk
Consider how you will support older people, babies, pregnant women, disabled people and those with weakened immune systems or long-term health conditions.
Follow food and water safety advice
If contamination is suspected, only use food and water confirmed as safe and follow any official instructions regarding treatment, disposal or product recalls.
Support your community safely
Check on neighbours, relatives and others who may need assistance, while following any public health measures that are in place.
Business and community preparedness
Organisations should maintain plans for staff absence, remote working, hygiene measures, communications, essential supplies and the continued delivery of critical services.