Information on Coronavirus
Last updated: 14/10/2020
For the most up to date information about COVID-19 be sure to check Gov.uk.
What you can and can't do
The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, but in a way that continues to protect our communities and our NHS.
Find out more about what you can and can't do including information about travel restrictions, who you're allowed to meet with and what shops and business can now open.
If you do go outside or meet with others, remember that it's still important to social distance.
Northamptonshire update
The Government announced on 26 November that Northamptonshire will be placed in Tier 2 of the three tier COVID-19 alert system, starting on Wednesday 2 December.
Find out more about new restrictions
If you have symptoms of coronavirus, please self-isolate and get tested as soon as you can. Find out how to book a test and see testing locations in Northamptonshire.
Read the latest updates about coronavirus in the county at https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates
Find local information in other languages on the Council's website under the subheading "Further guidance and information" and NHCP YouTube channel.
If you think you might have coronavirus
Symptoms
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- Loss or change in sense of smell or taste
What to do if you have these symptoms
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You should stay at home and self-isolate.
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
You must get a test. Find out more and book.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- Your condition gets worse
- Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Use the NHS 111 coronavirus service
If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, the NHS 111 British Sign Language service is available here: https://interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111 or by calling 18001 111 on a textphone.
Read the NHS advice about coronavirus
How to self-isolate if you or someone in your house has coronavirus
If you have symptoms of coronavirus you should stay home and self isolate. What this means is you should not leave your house, even to do shopping, to avoid spreading the virus.
If you live alone, you should stay at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started. If you live with others, then you must stay at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started. However, everyone else in the household who is well must stay at home and not leave for 14 days.
For more information about when and how to self-isolate and what this means for families visit the Government website.
Read the NHS advice about self-isolation
Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp
The Government has made a free to use service is an automated ‘chatbot’, allowing people to get answers to the most common questions about coronavirus direct from the Government.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
Do:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, and for 20 seconds – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Don't:
-
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Watch NHS England's video on how to wash your hands properly
Hand Hygiene Advice in alternative formats (Easy Read, BSL, Large print, Audio)
Advice for people at high risk
From 1 August 2020, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable were advised that shielding has been paused. With the introduction of the three COVID-19 alert levels, the guidance has been updated.
Healthwatch England has pulled together some information to help you understand what the current situation and advice, including some FAQ.
Coronavirus: What does shielding mean?
In the event of a local lockdown, see the information on the government site and visit Northamptonshire County Council's website for further guidance.
Further information
Government advice on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people
NHS information about who's at higher risk from coronavirus?
NHS advice for people at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?
Getting tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of test available is available on the Government's website.
Face masks - when to wear one
To find out which settings require you to wear a face mask click the link below.
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes (but is not limited to):
- young children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
- not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
- if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
- to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
- to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
- to eat or drink if reasonably necessary
- in order to take medication
- if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering
Coronavirus is affecting my mental health - what can I do?
The Coronavirus pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared.
Read Healthwatch England's seven steps to looking after your wellbeing while staying informed
In recognition of the unprecedented challenges which the outbreak and extended periods of self-isolation can pose, Public Health England has published online guidance setting out principles to follow to help people to manage their mental health during this difficult time, such as:
- maintaining contact with friends and family via telephone and video calls, or social media
- keeping a regular routine and sleeping pattern
- focusing on a hobby or learning something new
Every Mind Matters has released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing if you need to stay at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It also includes guidance if you’re feeling worried or anxious about the outbreak.
Public Health England has put together advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Further information
NHS England has produced a list of common questions about coronavirus, covering advice for you and your family, how it's caught and spread, prevention, self-isolation, testing and treatment and foreign travel.
NHS coronavirus common questions
Find out more about the NHS COVID-19 app
Information in different languages
Information about coronavirus in other languages - Doctors of the World
Find COVID-19 Infographics in different languages
Find local information in other languages on Northamptonshire County Council's website and the NHCP YouTube channel.
Alternative formats of ‘Say Alert to Stay Safe’, ‘Symptoms’, ‘Test and Trace’ national messaging from May and June: including BSL, large print, easy read, and audio/radio versions.
Easy Read information about coronavirus and self-isolation
NHS guidance - Coronavirus – Easy Read and Large Print, Getting NHS help when you need it during the coronavirus outbreak - Easy Read, Getting NHS help when you need it during the coronavirus outbreak - plain English
Easy Read Online - Easy Read advice about Coronavirus and self-isolating, Coronavirus Glossary - a list of those words and what they mean, New rules on staying alert and safe
Mencap - Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Learning Disability England - Keeping informed and in touch during Coronavirus
Gov.uk - Advice to staff supporting people with a learning disability or autistic people
Other places for information:
- NHS coronavirus information
- GOV.UK information on coronavirus and the situation in the UK
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice
- World Health Organization: coronavirus myth busters