Coronavirus self-isolation advice and rules – how to prepare for quarantine
BRITS are being urged to self-isolate if they have a cough or a fever above 37.8C to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The elderly and those with underlying health conditions have also been told to stay at home for 12 weeks and avoid all contact with other people.
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Letters and text messages are being sent from the NHS to 1.5 million people in England most at risk of coronavirus advising them to stay at home for three months.
It comes as cases of Covid-19 in the UK have surged to 5,683 - with 289 people confirmed to have died from the deadly illness.
Pubs, restaurants and gyms have also been closed down since Friday to stop the spread of the illness, with many employees working from home.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to join a "collective national effort" in fighting the virus and warned there could be stricter measures if people disobey government advice, including a potential lockdown.
1. Stay at home
You should remain in your home, except for getting medical care.
Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis until you have been told that is safe to do so.
2. Separate yourself from others at home
You should stay separate yourself from other people in your home and stay in a well-ventilated room with a window to the outside that can be opened.
If you live in shared accommodation with a communal kitchen, bathroom and living area, you should stay in your room with the door closed, only coming out when necessary, wearing a facemask if one has been issued to you.
You should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household, if available, and avoid using the kitchen while others are present.
If this is not possible then wear a facemask if you have been issued with one. Take your meals back to your room to eat.
3. Use separate towels
You need to make sure you separate towels from other household members - both for drying yourself after bathing or showering and for hand hygiene purposes.
Use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry your used crockery and cutlery.
If this is not possible, wash them by hand using detergent and warm water and dry them thoroughly, using a separate tea towel.
4. Leave takeaways on the doorstep
You will need to ask for help if you require any shopping or medications. Alternatively, you can order by phone or online.
If you order takeaways or online food shops, tell the driver to leave the goods outside, in the porch, or as appropriate for your home.
You shouldn’t have any physical contact with them.
5. Call ahead before visiting your doctor
All medical appointments should be discussed in advance with your designated medical contact, using the number that has been provided to you.
This is so the surgery or hospital can take steps to minimise contact with others.
6. Wear a facemask (if advised to)
If you have been provided with facemasks, then you should wear the mask when you are in the same room with other people and when you visit a healthcare provider.
If you cannot wear a facemask, the people who live with you should wear one while they are in the same room with you.
7. Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Dispose of tissues into a plastic waste bag, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds rinse and dry thoroughly.
8. Wash your hands
Wash your hands or assist the person you are caring for in washing their hands.
Experts say you need to wash your hands for 20 seconds - if in doubt, that's as long as it'll take you to hum along to Happy Birthday twice in a row.
Source: NHS
If it’s not an emergency, you should call your designated medical contact point using the number that has been provided to you.
If it is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance, inform the call handler or operator that you are being tested for Covid-19.
11. Don't have visitors
You shouldn't have visitors to your home and only those who live in your home should be allowed to stay.
If you think there is an essential need for someone to visit, then discuss it with your designated medical contact first.
If it is urgent to speak to someone who is not a member of your household, do this over the phone.
12. Keep away from pets
Try to keep away from your pets. If this is unavoidable, wash your hands before and after contact.
13. Be careful with waste
All waste that has been in contact with the individual, including used tissues, and masks if used, should be put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full.
The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied.
Do not dispose of it or put it out for collection until you know that patient does not have novel coronavirus.
Should the individual test positive, you will be instructed what to do with the waste.