I have received the latest advice and information about Coronavirus from Ministerial colleagues in the Department for Health, including what to expect for you, your family and/or business and how to stay safe in the coming months.
As of 04/07/2020, the Government has announced new changes to the restrictions. Please read more about the Coronavirus Next Phase here.
General and Health Advice
General advice from the Government about Coronavirus and what action you should be taking can be found here.
Government guidance suggests self-isolation for a minimum of fourteen days if you or a member of your household is experiencing:
- A new, sustained cough, often with shortness of breath or
- An elevated temperature or fever or
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
All social contact and non-essential travel should be avoided and you should work at home where possible. Information on self-isolation, social distancing and shielding the vulnerable can be found here.
If symptoms become unbearable, or last for more than seven days, you can access medical support by dialling NHS 111 or NHS 111 Online. Until we have more information, take paracetamol in preference to ibuprofen to relieve your symptoms. Those already advised to take ibruprofen for other conditions should not stop taking it. Full advice is available online.
If you need to self-isolate, you can find out how to get an isolation note to give to your employer here.
For those taking regular medication, you may be able to order repeat prescriptions via telephone or on the NHS app. You can contact your pharmacy or NHS 111 if you are worried about accessing essential prescriptions. Avoid buying medication online from any other sources.
I’m sure that you’ve already heard a lot of general advice on how to protect yourself and those around you. The Chief Medical Officer has provided essential advice, including washing your hands with hot water and soap or hand gel for 20 seconds and staying away from vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible.