Throughout the Coronavirus outbreak, it is everyone’s responsibility to help stop the spread of the virus and reduce the risk to other people, particularly our most vulnerable residents.

Self-isolation guidance if you have symptoms

The government has published guidance regarding staying at home if you, or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus.

The most common symptoms are recent onset of any of the following:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

For most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above you should self-isolate at home. Symptoms can be checked using NHS 111 online.

If you live alone
  • if you live alone and you have symptoms, however mild, stay at home for at least ten days from when your symptoms started
  • after ten days, if you do not have a high temperature, you do not need to continue to self-isolate. If you still have a high temperature, keep self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal.
  • you do not need to self-isolate if you only have a cough or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell after ten days, as these symptoms can last for several weeks after the infection has gone
If you live with others
  • if you live with others, and you are the first in the household to have symptoms, then you must stay at home for at least ten days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home for 14 days (the 14 day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill).
  • for anyone else in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for at least ten days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period. 
  • staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

Above all, if you feel unwell, get tested

If you are displaying any coronavirus symptoms or just generally don't feel well, book to get tested. You can get a test testing kit or arrange a booking at a mobile testing unit.

Health and wellbeing advice and guidance

Mental wellbeing

Being 'kind to your mind' has never been so important than in these challenging and unusual times. It's understandable if you are experiencing a sense of stress or anxiety, maybe eating more, struggling to sleep, drinking excess alcohol or lacking motivation. Just remember to be kind to your mind and your body during this time.

A newly launched website – kindtoyourmind.org – provides a range of useful resources to help you through. If you are looking for tips, advice, apps or even online courses to help with your mental wellbeing – there is something here for you!

happyoksad.org.uk also provides helpful information, covering a variety of topics, such as coping with difficult feelings, staying connected with friends and family and making time for relaxation. There are links to helpful practical resources, national support services and government advice. You will also find information on what to do in a crisis.

Limit alcohol

Excess alcohol consumption can lead to a number of problems, including worsening mental health issues and weight gain from consuming extra calories and hangovers leading to poor food choices the next day.

Alcohol also increases the risk of domestic abuse and accidents in the home. Find out more about drinking responsibly at drinkaware.co.uk.

Keep active

Adults should do some type of physical activity every day – any type of activity is good for you. Sport England has launched #StayInWorkOut which provides tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home.

Find out more on the Sport England website.

Eat well

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best.

This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Find out more on the NHS Live Well website.