How can I reduce the spread of infection in my home? Expand While you're self-isolating, you should: wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available 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 and wash your hands afterwards clean objects and surfaces you touch often (like door handles, kettles and phones) using your regular cleaning products
How do I clean and do laundry? Expand Use your usual household products, such as detergents and bleach, when you clean your home. Put used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths in rubbish bags. Then put the bag into a second bag and tie it securely. Wait 3 days before putting it in your outside bin. Dispose of other household waste as normal. Wash your laundry in the washing machine in the usual way. Laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people's items. Do not shake dirty laundry, as this may spread the virus in the air. If you do not have a washing machine, wait for 3 days after your stay at home has ended before taking your laundry to a launderette.
What are the symptoms? Expand The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new continuous cough and/or high temperature (above 37.8 °C)
What if someone I live with has symptoms? Expand If you live with someone who has symptoms, you'll need to self-isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started. This is because it can take 14 days for symptoms to appear. If more than 1 person at home has symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days from the day the first person started having symptoms. If you get symptoms, self-isolate for 7 days from when your symptoms start, even if it means you're self-isolating for longer than 14 days. If you do not get symptoms, you can stop self-isolating after 14 days.
What is self-isolation? Expand Self-isolation helps stop coronavirus spreading Do not leave your home if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or live with someone who does. This is called self-isolation. If you are self-isolating, you must: not leave your home for any reason, other than to exercise once a day – but stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people not go out to buy food or collect medicine – order them by phone or online, or ask someone else to drop them off at your home not have visitors, such as friends and family, in your home You can use your garden, if you have one.
What is social distancing? Expand Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). They are to: Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.
What should I do if I have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Expand If you develop symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) (high temperature above 37.8 °C and/or new and continuous cough), seek clinical advice using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS111 if you don’t have internet access. In an emergency, call 999 if you are seriously ill. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital. Do this as soon as you get symptoms. The same guidance applies to the general population and those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate at home for 7 days. You can find the full guidance at stay at home.
Will my pharmacy still be open? Expand Pharmacies are open but it’s worth giving your local pharmacy a call to check the opening times.