COVID-19 – updated self-isolation advice

Public Health England (PHE) updated its advice to ask anyone who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days. PHE are also advising anyone with:

  • a high temperature
  • a new continuous cough

to stay at home for 7 days.

You are advised not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital and not to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

If this applies to you, please let your line manager know.

The NHS advise you to use their 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.

Stay informed

This information will continue to change as the situation develops and we will endeavour to keep you updated through email, news stories and our FAQs. However, colleagues should also refer to the Public Health England and NHS pages for the very latest information.

Keeping safe

The NHS advice is:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • 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 immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.