Information on Coronavirus

Read the advice and information from NHS England, Public Health England and Northamptonshire councils about the Coronavirus.
Woman washing her hands

Last updated: 16/07/2021 

To check the latest Government guidance, please visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus

View this page in an accessible format

If you think you might have coronavirus

Symptoms

  • A high temperature

  • A new, continuous cough
  • Loss or change in sense of smell or taste

Most people with symptoms have at least one of these.


Many people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. This is why everyone is advised to get tested regularly.

Find out about regular rapid COVID-19 tests

Read local guidance about asymptomatic testing


What to do if you have these symptoms

  1. Get a PCR test to check if you have COVID-19
  2. You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result.

Find our more and order a PCR test

Read local guidance about symptomatic testing

If you have problems using the online service, call 119.


Get help from NHS 111 if:

  • You are worried about your symptoms
  • You are not sure what to do

Use NHS 111 online

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

Stay at home and self-isolate.

  • Do not go to work, school, or public areas
  • Do not use public transport or taxis
  • Do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home

  • Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care

  • Do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one

Your isolation period includes the day the first person in your household’s symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms, whether this was an LFD or PCR test), and the next 10 full days. 

For more information about when to self isolate and what this means for families visit the NHS website.

In England from 16 August, if you’re fully vaccinated or under 18, you will not need to self-isolate following close contact with someone who has COVID-19. You’ll still need to take a PCR test and self-isolate if it’s positive.

There is also a Northamptonshire Self-isolation support pack with guidance and suggestions.

Self-isolation support pack

Government advice

NHS advice


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.

Find out more about the service

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)

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Face masks - when to wear one

The legal requirement to wear a face mask in all settings has now ended. However, people may wish to continue wearing them, and that personal decision should be respected.

The Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas and some businesses and travel operators can even make wearing a face mask compulsory for customers and passengers.

Getting tested for COVID-19

Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of tests, is available on the Government's website.

Find out more

Read Healthwatch England's information about different tests

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/formats

Find COVID-19 Infographics in different languages

Find local information in other languages on Northamptonshire's website

Alternative formats of Public Health England national messaging, including BSL, large print, easy read, and audio/radio versions.

Translations of Public Health England national messaging.

Easy Read information about coronavirus and self-isolation

NHS guidance - Coronavirus – Easy Read and Large PrintGetting NHS help when you need it during the coronavirus outbreak - Easy ReadGetting NHS help when you need it during the coronavirus outbreak - plain English

Mencap - Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Gov.uk - Advice to staff supporting people with a learning disability or autistic people

Easy Read Online - Guide include Easy Read advice about Coronavirus and self-isolatingCoronavirus Glossary - a list of those words and what they mean

Other places for information:

Local services and updates

Advice from other organisations

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