Information on Coronavirus

Read the latest advice and information from the Government, NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus.
Hands washing over a sink with soap - Coronavirus stay alert to the risk of infection

For the most up to date information about COVID-19 be sure to check Gov.uk.

Correct as of 24/07/2020,  10.30am

What you can and can't do from 24 July

The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, but in a way that continues to protect our communities and our NHS.

Find out more about what you can and can't do including information about where face coverings are required, who you're allowed to meet with and what shops and business can now open.

If you do go outside or meet with others, remember that it's still important to social distance.

Find out more

If you think you might have coronavirus

Symptoms

  • A high temperature

  • A new, continuous cough
  • Loss or change in sense of smell 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 must get a test. Find out more and book.

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

Use the 111 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.

For more information about when to self isolate and what this means for families visit the Government website.

Find out more

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, and for 20 seconds – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

  • Wear a face covering when using public transport or while in shops and supermarkets.

Don't:

  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Advice for people at high risk

From 6 July:

  • You may, if you wish, meet in a group of up to 6 people outdoors, including people from different households, while maintaining strict social distancing i.e. stay two metres apart;   
  • You no longer need to observe social distancing with other members of your household;  
  • In line with the wider guidance for single adult households (either an adult living alone or only with dependent children under 18) in the general population you can also form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household. All those in a support bubble will be able to spend time together inside each other's homes, including overnight, without needing to socially distance.  

From 1 August:

  • the clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer need to follow advice on shielding, though should still take particular care to follow the social distancing guidelines when meeting people.

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. 

NHS common questions

Other places for information:

 

Getting tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for priority testing, how to get tested and the different types of test available is available on the Government's website.

Find out more