Coronavirus (COVID 19 virus) update

Where appropriate we are continuing to run some of our events and courses online, particularly those designed for FRCS (Orth) preparation, for the upcoming examinations taking place in November 2020 and February 2021.

With the exception of 1 or 2 small courses we will not return to running face to face events until 2021, if the situation at that time permits.

The wellbeing of staff, delegates, faculty and invited patients remains our top priority, as well as ensuring candidates preparing for the FRCS (Orth) examinations are supported.

When appropriate, we will announce new dates for our face to face events programme.

In regard to the very small number of face to face courses we are able to run, please bear in mind that these could be cancelled at short notice subject to government guidelines. We advise any travel and accommodation be booked with a free cancellation option.

ORUK is not responsible for any travel or other costs that may have been incurred. Regular updates for travellers to the UK from countries and regions affected can be found on the gov.uk website.

 

We all need to work together to help limit the spread of the virus.  The Government advice asks everyone to:

  1. Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water or use hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available.
  2. To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue away immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitising gel.
  3. Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces using your regular cleaning products to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.

What to do if you have symptoms

Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

  • a high temperature
  • a new continuous cough

if you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms.

This will help to protect others in your community while you are infectious.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

 

As more information emerges, recommendations may change and we will update our website accordingly.

 

Guidance to assist professionals in advising the general public can be found here and for the general public here.