COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Updated Information For The Public
Read the latest advice and information from NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus.
For the most up to date information about COVID-19 be sure to check Gov.uk.
Latest changes
- Those shielding will be advised that they can go outside once a day, with the people they live with or, if they live alone, to meet one other person at a two-metre distance.
- Groups of up to six people from different households can meet outdoors, sticking two metres apart.
- Individuals can leave home without needing a “reasonable excuse”.
- Anyone with symptoms can request a coronavirus test. Find out how here.
Stay alert
We can all help control the virus if we stay alert. This means you must:
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Work from home if you can
- Limit contact with other people
- Keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- Wash your hands regularly
Self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
If you think you might have coronavirus
Symptoms
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- Loss of sense of smell and/or taste
What to do if you have these symptoms
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You should stay at home and self isolate.
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. Read the NHS advice about staying at home.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- Your condition gets worse
- Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Access the NHS 111 online coronavirus service
How to self isolate if you or someone in your house has coronavirus
If you have symptoms of coronavirus you should stay home and self isolate. What this means is you should not leave your house, even to do shopping, to avoid spreading the virus. If you live alone, you should stay at home for seven days from when your symptoms started. If you live with others, then you must stay at home for seven days from when your symptoms started. However, everyone else in the household who is well must stay at home and not leave for 14 days.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
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.
- 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.
Don’t:
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Advice for people at high risk
If you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus, there are extra things you should do to avoid catching it. These include:
- Not leaving your home – you should not go out to do shopping, visit friends or family, or attend any gatherings
- Avoiding close contact with other people in your home as much as possible
For the full list of people who are considered high risk visit the Government website.
Further information
NHS England has produced a list of common questions about coronavirus, covering advice for you and your family, how it’s caught and spread, prevention, self-isolation, testing and treatment and foreign travel.
Other places for information: