New rules on staying alert and safe
The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay alert in order to protect the NHS and save lives. When we are careful about our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection.
Currently,
- Two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures. you will be able to meet indoors in groups of up to two households (your support bubble counts as one household)
- With the reopening of accommodation sites, such as campsites, you may stay overnight at an accommodation other than your home with one other household.
- You must social distance by staying one metre or more apart, rather than two metres previously.
- Weddings and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place. You should only invite close friends and family, up to a maximum of 30 people.
- You can be tested as part of the test and trace programme, which will enable us to return to normal life as soon as possible, by helping to control transmission risks
A complete list of guidelines is set out in the regulations. You should continue to stay alert and limit your contact with others. Staying at home is the easiest way to do this.
Even though you may now meet up in groups, aside from within your social bubble you must still maintain social distancing and stay 1 metre apart.
If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, you must immediately self-isolate and order a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 if you have no internet access.
Shielding and protecting for the medically vulnerable
Some people, including those aged 70 and over, those with specific chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women, are clinically vulnerable, meaning they are at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions but can now leave their home if they wish, as long as they are able to maintain strict social distancing.
These groups are encouraged to minimise contact with others outside of their household.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, please fill out this form and we will do our best to provide assistance for you.
The Governments guide to staying at home and shielding can be found here.
- If you wish to spend time outdoors (though not in other buildings, households, or enclosed spaces) you should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping 2 metres apart.
- If you choose to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of your own household. If you live alone, you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household (ideally the same person each time).
- You should stay alert when leaving home: washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distance and avoiding gatherings of any size.
- You should not attend any gatherings, including gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, parties, weddings and religious services.
- You should strictly avoid contact with anyone who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, your sense of taste or smell).
The Government is currently advising people to shield until 30 June 2020 and is regularly monitoring this position.
Please click here for full government guidance.
When to self-isolate
While you may go outdoors and meet in small groups if you are symptom-free, if you have coronavirus symptoms or live in the same household as somebody who does, you must self-isolate.
If you are identified as someone who has had close recent contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you must also self-isolate for up to 14 days.
Self-isolation means staying at home and not going outside your home at any time. If you live with other people, they do not need to self-isolate, but they should avoid contact with you as far as possible and follow advice on hygiene. If you do not live with other people, you should seek help from others, or delivery services, for essential activities such as food shopping.
What should I do if staying at home 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. You should not go to your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Testing for Coronavirus is not needed if you are staying at home.
Click here for a list of articles of "things to do during self isolation".
