Latest Covid-19 guidance

Latest Covid-19 advice

What are our priorities?

Our priorities are to protect those most vulnerable to Covid-19 and ensure we keep as much pressure off the NHS as possible (including the 111 service) to enable our healthcare teams to focus on those who are struggling to manage the disease.

What is the new advice?

The new advice is that we should all be practising "social distancing" which means:

  1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
  2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible;
  3. Work from home, where possible;
  4. Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs;
  5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
  6. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services. Please do not contact NHS 111 unless who are struggling to manage symptoms at home.

What about the most vulnerable?

Those who are most vulnerable - those who are over 70, pregnant or have medical issues - should be doing all of the above and severely limiting their face-to-face contact with others for a period of at least 12 weeks. 

There is full guidance on this, and which people are thought to be most vulnerable HERE. The guidance also tells you what do and how to manage.

What if I or someone in my family develops symptoms?

If you or anyone in your household develops symptoms (a fever OR a new continuous cough) you must all stay at home for a period of 14 days.  There is very detailed guidance on how to manage this and what to do if anyone else in the home develops symptoms HERE.

Please do not contact 111 unless you are unable to manage your symptoms at home. We need to keep the NHs resources available to those who cannot cope.

Why are schools still open?

At the moment, the best scientific advice is to keep schools open, which will be kept under review.  If your child develops any of the symptoms, they and you need to stay at home for 14 days.  

What about support for employers and businesses?

The current guidance is HERE.  The Chancellor is making a further statement later this evening.

 

What about foreign travel?

You can find the latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office HERE.