It's a worrying time both locally and globally with the coronavirus illness now being described as a pandemic. So we thought we'd share some of the advice and information, and let you know what we're doing.

We really believe that what we're offering here at TDR Academy is worth so much in terms of general mental and physical health, and that we're here to help our Tribe over the coming weeks.

Symptoms of coronavirus and COVID19:

• a cough

• a high temperature

• shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

How it’s spread:

An infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has had a virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Most people who contract COVID-19 are thought to show mild or very few symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and / or shortness of breath.

What you can do:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

• Put used tissues in the bin straight away

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Anyone with a new, continuous cough or high temperature (37.8 degrees and above) is advised to self-isolate for seven days

• If you are worried about symptoms, please call your GP. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment.

What we are doing:

• On top of our normal studio cleaning procedures, TDR Academy has introduced a number of additional hygiene measures to allow us to continue working within our community:

• We have intensified our day-to-day cleaning of the Studio

• We wipe banister rails, door handles etc each day with alcohol based wipes. Current advice is that the virus does not live long exposed on dry porous surfaces (like blankets, bolsters) and anti-baterical wipes don't work against a virus

• We now have paper towels and sterile hand wash - and our team are washing their hands more regularly

• We have introduced additional hand gel stations, which we ask students to use when they arrive and before they leave

• If our team have any symptoms, we will cancel any classes or treatment as necessary

Coming to the Studio:

• We ask clients to wash your hands before and after visiting the studio and to clean the mat that is being used before and after use.

• If you do feel unwell, we ask that you remain at home until feeling better

• If you display any of these symptoms, please do not visit our studio for at least 7 days.

• Please remember to bring your own water bottle and drink regularly, eg every 15 minutes minimum, and bring your own tissues.

• For those clients affected by any possible school closures, please do not bring your children to class.

For answers to common questions, and the most up to date information, head over to the Public Health Agency website. Or the BBC News website has some great advice.

• We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops in line with advice from the Government and relevant health authorities and issue updates at such times.

• We are also looking at providing classes from your own home by an interactive video conference app, if classes are to be cancelled, so you can still turn up on your mat at home. Our numbers are maximum of 9 per class, so we will wait for advice on closures around this, but hope to have our back up plan in place.

• Treatments can still go ahead until government advice states otherwise, but please ensure you have no symptoms and have not been in contact with anyone at potential risk in order to attend for your appointment.

Together we can all maintain a responsible and cautious approach to limiting the spread of this virus and protecting the more vulnerable members of our society whilst keeping a positive attitude.

Wishing you safety and good health through this time.

Tanya