COVID 19

Get the latest information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Covid-19 Guidance and Support

Help control the virus

• To protect yourself and others, wash your hands regularly and when hands are visibly dirty.
• When you leave home or if your hands are not visibly dirty, frequently clean them by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue.
• Throw tissue into a closed bin immediately after use, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Wash your hands:

• after coughing and sneezing
• when caring for the sick
• before, during and after you prepare food
• before eating
• after toilet use
• after handling animals or animal waste
• Cover your face - wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces.
• Make space - stay at least a metre away from people not in your household.
• Feeling unwell - get a test and do not leave home for a minimum of 10 days.

Symptoms Of COVID-19

•  a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• shortness of breath
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
• These symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure.
• Whilst these are the symptoms of the corona virus, they're also shared by similar illnesses such as the flu and cold.
• Get a test as soon as possible - do not leave home for at least 10 days after your test or use the 111 online corona virus service to find out what to do next.
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• If people begin to act recklessly, which could impact on the transmission of the corona virus in our communities, further restrictions will have to be implemented again.
  
  Useful Links & Sources: World Health Organisation | Gov.uk | NHS.UK/Coronavirus
   

COVID-19 Guidance and management of staff and exposed patients or residents in health and social care settings:

• Health and social care workers must be aware of recommendations not to work when there is a risk that they may spread infection in their workplace.
• Managers must have a high level of skill in assessing whether individual staff require exclusion from work, and should remain the first point of contact for a health or social care worker who is unsure whether they are fit to work.
   

Staff with symptoms of COVID-19

 If a health or social care worker develops symptoms of COVID-19:

• they should follow the stay at home guidance
• while at home (off-duty), they should not attend work and notify their line manager immediately
• while at work, they should put on a surgical face mask immediately, inform their line manager and return home
• comply with all requests for testing
  
  This guidance is for care homes, local health protection teams, local authorities, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and registered providers of accommodation for people who need personal or nursing care.
  
  Remember high standards of infection control will limit the risks of spreading the virus; that is good handwashing, use of tissues when sneezing/coughing and use of appropriate disposal methods will stop the spread of the virus.
  
  Any clinician or care worker who is working in a hospital, primary care or community care setting, including care homes and delivery of home care who are within two metres of a possible or confirmed Covid-19 patient should wear an apron, gloves, surgical mask and eye protection, based on the risk of transmission.
  
  All staff who come into contact with COVID-19 cases, whether or not they are protected by the use of PPE or by other factors, should remain vigilant to the possibility of contracting infection and should self-isolate immediately if they develop relevant symptoms.
  
  COVID-19 Coronavirus is a fast-moving issue and guidance is being updated on a regular basis. You can also access information from the links and sources below.
  
  Useful Links & Sources:
  World Health Organisation | Gov.uk | NHS.UK/Coronavirus