Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest updates.

A special note on Coronavirus and accessing advice.

With the Coronavirus epidemic continuing to dominate the news headlines, many people are raising questions on how the insurance industry and our clients will be affected.

In my capacity as a clinician and Managing Director of VitalityHealth, I wanted to share with you the collective knowledge of the clinical teams across Vitality, so you are fully equipped with the latest facts related to COVID-19, as well as provide guidance on how to minimise the infection risk, and what we’re doing as a business to help support you and your clients.

Dr Keith Klintworth,
Managing Director VitalityHealth.

Vitality extends GP telephone line to all members. 

To ensure our Vitality members are well informed and accessing the latest clinical advice regarding Coronavirus, we have opened up our telephone GP Advice Line to all Vitality members. Previously only available to health members, for the first time life and invest members are now able to use the service. 

Whilst in the first instance, members should call the NHS 111 online, where they still have health concerns or additional questions, members can now call the Vitality GP Advice Line service and speak directly to a doctor to discuss symptoms or any questions they may have on the virus. Clients can find details of the telephone number and how to access this service on the Member Zone. 

The facts about COVID-19.

COVID-19 is an infection caused by a type of Coronavirus. This class of viruses usually originates from animals and spread to humans (zoonotic infection) but in the case of COVID-19, human to human spread has also been occurring. The primary means of spread seems to be saliva-droplet based. This is similar to the common cold and the seasonal flu. COVID-19 seems to be more infectious than the seasonal flu, with an infection rate that is 1.5 to 2-times higher. However, reassuringly the vast majority of people who contract COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms, potentially including a fever, a cough and shortness of breath. 

If exposed, the incubation period (period taken to contract the infection) seems to be between 2 to 14 days.

How to minimise infection risk.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment to prevent COVID-19, meaning the best way to prevent catching the virus is to avoid exposure to it. We recommend the following everyday preventive actions to avoid you, or your family being infected: 

• Hand-washing: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is also a suitable disinfectant
• Coughing and sneezing: Make sure you and the people around you follow good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Maintain at least one metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
• Handshakes: It is the norm for us to shake hands when greeting people but, for the time being it may be better to avoid this
• Clean surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Vitality’s internal planning and preparedness.

Our leadership team, supported by subject matter experts, meet regularly to monitor the progress of COVID-19, stay in touch with world and local experts, and ensure full preparedness for our members and employees. 

Vitality is taking a calm and knowledge-based approach in our response to the COVID19 epidemic, working closely with the authorities and experts. Vitality is actively investing and working to lead and support members and employees through this epidemic. Share the facts of COVID-19 with those around you to avoid any misinformation.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated of any further developments. 

Dr Keith Klintworth 
Managing Director VitalityHealth