Some of the most effective ways we can prevent the spread of this virus are the most straightforward.
HANDS – Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet full details here.
Unless seated at a table, you MUST wear a face covering inside cafes, bars and restaurants.
You MUST wear a face covering in a taxi – taxi drivers have the right to refuse you if you don’t.
SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors). You must sit at a table to be served in a pub or restaurant – you can’t stand at the bar. This will help protect your loved ones.
As of 14 September you should not meet in groups of more than 6, both indoors and outdoors, full details here
The latest data shows that visiting other households indoors is increasing the spread of the virus, so we are encouraging residents not to visit other households indoors unless they have to.
NHS COVID-19 App – Sign up and use the NHS COVID-19 tracing app, you must participate in NHS test and trace in some public buildings including cafes, bars and restaurants otherwise they MUST refuse you entry. There is an easy to use QR code to scan when entering eligible premises. A full list of premises that need to collect test and trace information is available here
Protect yourself – If you are eligible for a flu vaccine this winter, it’s now more important than ever to get it.
It’s not just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting other people too, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the effects of the virus.
If you have symptoms, stay at home and book a test.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
If you have these symptoms – no matter how mild – book a test online or by calling 119, it is important that you do this as soon as possible.
It’s also important that you and everyone in your household stays at home to self-isolate.
You can find out about testing and self-isolating at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
But ONLY get a test if you have symptoms
There’s a lot of strain on testing capacity, so it’s very important that you only get a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been asked to get tested because you are a contact of a case.
If you don’t have symptoms, then please don’t book a test unless you have been advised to do so by a medical professional or NHS Test and Trace. This will help make sure people who need a test can get one.
Self-isolate if you’re told to
If you are informed you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you can expect a call from NHS Test and Trace please co-operate with them and give them accurate information.
And if they tell you to self-isolate then you must stay at home for 14 days from the day you were last in contact with the infected person.
This applies even if you have had a negative test.
Here is a range of advice to prepare for self-isolation.
Remember, the COVID Community Support Team can support vulnerable and elderly residents with food deliveries, shopping, picking up prescriptions or making sure people who are self-isolating and may be worried or lonely get the support they need.
The team can be contacted on 01642 733906 between 9am and 12noon, Monday to Friday or by emailing covidcommunitysupport@catalyststockton.org.
Advice on the financial support available if you cannot work due to COVID-19 or self-isolating can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support.
National Guidance
For information on what to do if you think you have Coronavirus go to the NHS website www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
For advice and updates from the Government, including stay at home advice and guidance for employers, employees and businesses, go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Unfortunately Coronavirus is being used as the basis for new scams – for information about this go to www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk