Covid-19 update: Cardiovascular disease, testing, social distancing and shielding, and dexamethasone

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Emma Scott discusses the latest guidance on cardiovascular disease. And Matt Castleden updates us on NHS Test and Trace, shielding, and social distancing. He also covers the news on dexamethasone as a treatment for covid-19. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/.html?moduleId=10065100 ESC guidelines: escardio.org/Education/COVID-19-and-Cardiology/ESC-COVID-19-Guidance WHO on smoking and covid-19: who.int/publications/i/item/smoking-and-covid-19 Recovery trial news page: recoverytrial.net/news/low-cost-dexamethasone-reduces-death-by-up-to-one-third-in-hospitalised-patients-with-severe-respiratory-complications-of-covid-19 MHRA and NHS alert on dexamethasone: cas.mhra.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=103054 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.