Advice on the Coronavirus

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection

• if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, do not leave your home for 7 days from when your symptoms started. (See ending isolation section below for more information)
• this action will help protect others in your community while you are infectious
• plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home
• ask your employer, friends and family to help you get the things you need to stay at home
• stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home if possible
• sleep alone, if possible
• wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water
• stay away from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible
• you do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999

Ending self-isolation

You should remain at home until 7 days after the onset of your symptoms. After 7 days, if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you can return to your normal routine. If you have not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, you should contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.

Cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean you must continue to self-isolate for more than 7 da