The spread of coronavirus worldwide is increasing, although a global effort to prevent a pandemic is in full force.

Honiton Hospital and Community League of Friends has taken to social media to share advice on how to protect yourself and others from viral infection.

Personal hygiene is a key factor; 'washing your hands regularly, throroughtly using soap and water or a sanitiser' is the advice from Public Health England.

You should also 'catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, or the crease of your arm.'

A recent tweet by Honiton Dementia Action Alliance, chaired by Heather Penwarden, states: "We should all be promoting good hand health hygiene, the use of tissues and self isolation if you feel poorly. Call 111 for advice. #coronavirusuk #Covid_19"

According to the UK government website: "As of yesterday (23 February) a total of 6,324 people have been tested in the UK, of which 6,315 were confirmed negative and nine positive.

"These figures do not yet include the confirmed cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

With regards to risk levels, 'the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate' although the risk to individuals remains 'low'.

The World Health Organisation explains about the disease: "Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

"A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

"Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans.

"Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

"Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

"In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

"Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.

"Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing."

There is special advice for people who are returning from travelling outside of the UK. Click the red button below for more information.