As at 16 March 2020, Public Health England have issued the following updated advice which will reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the tranmission of COVID-19:
1. Anyone with any symptoms (a high temperature which means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back or a new and continuous cough) should self-isolate. If you live alone, this should be for 7 days from when your symptoms started. If you live with others, all members of the household should self-isolate for 14 days, starting from when the first household member started displaying symptoms. Any household member who subsequently develops symptoms should self-isolate for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, ignoring any period they have already been in self-isolation.
2. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital. There is also no need to inform NHS 111 that you are self-isolating. If you feel unable to cope with your symptoms, your condition worsens or your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you are unable to access the internet, please call NHS 111 instead.
3. Those over 70, pregnant women or those with underlying health conditions should take particular care to limit social contact.
4. Everyone should avoid non-essential contact. Avoid pubs, clubs and other social venues.
5. Home working is recommended, where possible.
6. Non-essential travel should cease.
7. Avoid all gatherings whether small or large. Limit all social contact.
8. If you have self-isolated and need food, you need to arrange for food to be delivered to your home by friends and family or though a booked delivery. Food should be left outside and those delivering should not come within 6 feet.
The most important thing that we can all do to protect ourselves remains washing hands more often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water or, if this is not available, with hand sanitiser gel.
For the most up-to-date Public Health England/Government guidance, please see here.
For more detailed information on social distancing, the Government’s latest guidance can be accessed here.
