Information about COVID-19
This page has been designed to provide up-to-date information, guidance and advice with regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please click here for the Government's stay at home advice and here for more general information.
If you're reading this on a mobile further menu options are available at the bottom of the page. If on a desktop menu options are to the left of this page.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a ‘type’ of virus. The coronavirus we are all affected by is called COVID-19, but you may also hear it called 'coronavirus'.
How serious is COVID-19?
Most people who get the virus have make a full recovery, but the virus can cause more severe symptoms and death. This is particularly true for people with a weakened immune system, for older people and for those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
When too many people become infected, the NHS will not be able to cope. PLEASE STAY AT HOME AND SAVE LIVES.
What are the symptoms?
If you are infected you experience a range of symptoms but the two symptoms to look out for are:
- A new continuous cough
- A fever or high temperature
What should I do if I have either of the above symptoms?
- Protect others - do NOT call NHS 111
- Protect others - do NOT call, or go, to your GP
- Protect others - do NOT go to your local hospital
If you live alone - stay at home without any visitors (self-isolate) immediately and continuously for 7 days.
If you live with others - you should all isolate at home for 14 days - this 14-day period starts from the day the first person in the home noticed the symptoms.
By staying at home for 7 or 14 days you will prevent other people from getting sick and possibly dying - PLEASE DO NOT TAKE RISKS.
For anyone in your home who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14-day isolation period.
If at-risk people share your home - such as those who are older and those with underlying health conditions - ideally they should move out, perhaps to stay with friends or family for the whole isolation period. If they can't move out, they must keep as much distance as possible from others in the home during this period. Use disinfectant to keep surfaces clean, wash hands and keep them away from your face.
For further information read this government advice on staying at home and isolating.
What should I do if self-isolation is difficult?
- You can't manage with your symptoms at home
- Your conditions get worse
- Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
You should use the online 111 service or if you can't use the online service call 111
How can you avoid getting and spreading the virus?
Scientists think the virus spreads via droplets from coughs and sneezes and we know it spreads easily and can stay on surfaces for a while. Follow the advice below to reduce your risk and the risk to others.
- Avoid non-essential contact with others - work from home if you can and don't socialising with others - if you do go out keep 6 feet (2metres) distance.
- Wash your hands - with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. Do this before leaving home and after returning home, before eating and drinking, and after coughing or sneezing.
- Cover your mouth and nose - with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze - tissue in the bin and wash, or disinfect, your hands immediately.
- Don't touch your face - especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean surfaces - disinfect surfaces around you - especially mobiles, computers, keyboards, worktops, desks, handles...
Keep up-to-date with government emails about coronavirus (COVID-19) here.
