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LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE

REGARDING COVID-19

If you have symptoms and live with a vulnerable person

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to arrange for them to stay with friends or family for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

Do

• try to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from each other

• avoid using shared spaces, such as kitchens or bathrooms, at the same time as each other

• open windows in shared spaces if you can

• clean a shared bathroom each time you use it, for example by wiping the surfaces you have touched

• use a dishwasher if you have one – if you do not have one, use washing-up liquid and warm water and dry everything thoroughly

Don't

• do not share a bed, if possible

• do not share towels, including hand towels and tea towels

Reducing the spread of infection in your home

While you're self-isolating, you should:

• wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds
• 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 straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• clean objects and surfaces you touch often (like door handles, kettles and phones) using your regular cleaning products

How to do your cleaning and laundry

Use your usual household products, such as detergents and bleach, when you clean your home.

Put used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths in rubbish bags. Then put the bag into a second bag and tie it securely. Wait 3 days before putting it in your outside bin.

Dispose of other household waste as normal.

Wash your laundry in the washing machine in the usual way. Laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people's items. Do not shake dirty laundry, as this may spread the virus in the air. If you do not have a washing machine, wait for 3 days after your stay at home has ended before taking your laundry to a launderette. 

To help yourself stay well while you're at home:

• drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – drink enough so your pee is pale and clear
• take paracetamol to help ease your symptoms
• stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media, to help you avoid feeling low or lonely
• try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
• do light exercise, if you feel well enough to

There is advice about how to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home from Every Mind Matters.

Ibuprofen

There is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse.

But until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you.

If you are already taking ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) on the advice of a doctor, do not stop taking it without checking first.

What to do if you need medical help while self-isolating

To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.

Urgent advice: Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse

Use the 111 coronavirus service

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

If you need medical help not related to coronavirus, you may be able to get help online or over the phone.

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