COVID-19 Current UK Guidance
Updated: Apr 2, 2020
Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
You should only leave the house for 1 of 4 reasons:
shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home
IMPORTANT - These 4 reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.
What to do if you need medical help
If you need medical help for any reason, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), use the 111 coronavirus service.
If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:
for health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website
for urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you're unable to get help online
for life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance
Stay at home if you have either:
A high temperature (fever) - you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
new, continuous cough - this means you have started coughing repeatedly
How long should I stay at home?
If you have symptoms you should stay at home for 7 days
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms
If you live with someone who is:
70 years old or over
has a long-term health condition
is pregnant
has a weakened immune system (eg. chemotherapy, immunosuppressed)
try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days. If you have to stay at home together, try to keep some distance from each other as much as possible
What can I do to protect myself?
Wash your hands with soap and water regularly - do this for at least 20 seconds
Always wash you hands when you get home or into work
Use hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into the inside crease of your elbow
Put used tissues in the bin straight away
Do your best to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Work from home if you can
Avoid social activities such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
Avoid events with large groups of people
Use phone, online services or apps to connect to a GP
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family
Updated 2nd April 2020