Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Do not go to a GP surgery, community pharmacy or hospital if you suspect you might have coronavirus. Use the Online NHS 111 Service to determine the appropriate course of action.
Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home and “self isolate” for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
- loss of sense of smell or taste
If another member of your household has the above symptoms then everyone else (unaffected members) need to stay at home for 14 days.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
Read the NHS advice about staying at home.
Symptoms of coronavirusThe symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
- loss of sense of smell or taste
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- 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 immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t
- touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Social distancing: what you need to do
To stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should avoid close contact with anyone you do not live with.This is called social distancing.
Things you can and cannot do
The government has published guidance on what you can and cannot do outside your home.This includes guidance about when you can leave your home, seeing other people and going to work.
If you need medical help
It’s important to get medical help if you need it, especially if you feel very unwell or think there’s something seriously wrong.
- If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.
- If you need to contact a GP, use this website (eConsultation), email us at [email protected], use the online services, or call the surgery.
- For urgent medical help, use the regular NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
- For life-threatening emergencies call 999 for an ambulance.
If you’re advised to go to hospital, it’s important to go. Keep going to any appointments you usually have, unless you’re told not to.
Read about using the NHS and other health services during coronavirus.
Get help and support
If you’re at a higher risk from coronavirus, you can get help from an NHS volunteer with things like getting food, medicines and other things you need.
Call 0808 196 3646 (open 8am to 8pm) to get help from NHS Volunteer Responders.