To date, the coronavirus (COVID-19) – officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – has been responsible for more than 40,000 deaths in the UK alone and has infected millions globally. The pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives and caused widespread anxiety and fear.  Following our very popular What do we know about coronavirus? webinar, we’re going to take a further look at this virus which has caused such huge changes across the world. The webinar prompted so many questions that we knew we had to return to this topic.

This time we’re digging a little deeper and looking at evidence around viral loads and infection ratios, the differences in recording of deaths and infection rates between countries, and practical advice around what steps should be taken if any premises are linked to an outbreak. Our returning panellists are all experts within health and hygiene who will help us to understand the Government’s plans and how businesses need to respond. Join us as we look at what the virus is, where it originated, and what we can expect over the coming weeks and months.

Sterling Crew, Chair of The Food Authenticity Network, will showcase why correct hand washing can keep the virus in check, while Peter Littleton, technical director at Christeyns Food Hygiene UK, will focus on the role of disinfectants and cleaning surfaces in preventing transmission. We are also delighted to have epidemiologist and adviser to the Welsh Government, Dr Sara Hayes, update us on how the virus is behaving within our society.