Should you be concerned about tenants’ exposure to coronavirus?

A ninth person has tested positive for Coronavirus in the UK, the government has confirmed. 

The woman flew into London from China and was tested after developing symptoms. 

There are concerns the city’s status as a transport hub could exacerbate the spread of the virus, however, doctors have said the risk of infection for residents in the capital remains low.

Dr Robin Thompson of Oxford University said: ‘In general, if an initial case is in a densely populated area, then the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission following is higher. This is exacerbated by the fact that London is a transport hub, and the underground could provide a network to spread the virus quickly. ‘As a result, given this case was in London, it might be expected that there is an increased risk posed by this case compared to the others we have seen.’

Dr Michael Head from the University of Southampton added: ‘It should also be noted that of the 1,750 tests carried out so far in the UK, over 99% of those tested have been negative for the coronavirus. ‘Thus, risks to Londoners and UK residents remain low, though people should continue to keep an eye on guidance for the general public.’

The current medical advice being issued is that anyone who has travelled into the country from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough or fever should remain indoors and call NHS 111 even if symptoms are mild.

In terms of your role as a landlord, the government has confirmed that the risk to individuals in the UK remains low.

Consequently, based on current official guidelines, landlords do not need to take any specific action regarding tenants’ exposure to coronavirus. 

For further information, refer to official government guidance and NHS guidance. 

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