Information about COVID-19 - 26th March

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All government advice on coronavirus can be found here .

How serious is COVID-19?

Most people who get the virus have make a full recovery, but the virus can cause severe symptoms and death. This is particularly true those over 70, and for those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

The more people who become infected - the more our NHS will not cope - so you should stay at home to protect our NHS and save lives.

A lot of false information about this virus is being shared - it’s very important that you make sure that the information you use comes from a trusted source - all of the information on this page has been sourced from the NHS.

What are the symptoms?

If you are infected you experience a range of symptoms but the two symptoms to look out for are:

• A new continuous cough
• A fever or high temperature

What should I do if I have either of the above symptoms?

• Protect others - don't call NHS 111
• Protect others - don't call, or go to your GP
• Protect others - don't go to your local hospital

If you live alone - stay at home without any visitors (self-isolate) immediately for 7 days

If you live with others - you should all isolate yourselves at home for 14 days - this 14-day period starts from the day the first person in the home noticed the symptoms.

You staying at home for 7 or 14 days will stop you causing other people to get sick and possibly die - don't risk it.

For anyone in your home who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14-day isolation period.

If at-risk people share your home - such as those who are older and those with underlying health conditions - ideally they should move out, perhaps to stay with friends or family for the whole isolation period. If they can't move out, they must keep as much distance as possible from others in the home during this period. Use disinfectant to keep surfaces clean, wash hands and keep them away from your face.

For further information read this government advice on staying at home and isolating.

What should I do if self-isolation 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

How can you avoid getting and spreading the virus?

Scientists think the virus spreads via droplets from coughs and sneezes and we know it spreads easily and can stay on surfaces for a while. Follow the advice below to reduce your risk and the risk to others.

• Avoid non-essential contact with others - work from home if you can and don't socialising with others - if you do go out keep 6 feet (2metres) distance.
• Wash your hands - with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. Do this before leaving home and after returning home, before eating and drinking, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Cover your mouth and nose - with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze - tissue in the bin and wash, or disinfect, your hands immediately.
• Don't touch your face - especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean surfaces - disinfect surfaces around you  - especially mobiles, computers, keyboards, worktops, desks, handles...

Keep up-to-date with government emails about coronavirus (COVID-19) here .