Do not leave home if you or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus
link: Easy-Read guide to Coronavirus from Mencap)
link: Stay safe from coronavirus (Easy-Read, Keep Safe UK)
link: information in BSL from the NHS
link: NHS guidance in other languages
link: Video about COVID-19 in Hindi
link: Help for people with a learning disability, autism or both, to use NHS 111 (video by NHS England)
A coronavirus is a type of virus. The symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19 or Novel Coronavirus) are:
- a new, continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a high temperature - this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Info updated May 28th from: NHS England and Gov.UK
- If you think you have symptoms, do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital.
- Go to the NHS 111 coronavirus online service if you are concerned. Only phone 111 if you can't access them online.
- You should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone outside of your household.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do (Gov.UK)
Emergency Care: It’s really important that for emergencies like suspected stroke or heart attack you call 999 straightaway. With conditions like this every second counts – so don’t delay.
Urgent care and advice: If you need urgent care or advice about a medical condition you can still use NHS 111 (call 111 if you can't get help on-line), or contact your GP practice for help. For BSL use this video interpreter service for NHS 111. Whether you are concerned about a new health problem, or you have a long-term condition and your symptoms get worse, don’t put off getting in touch.
- To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.
- Coronavirus and claiming benefits (Universal Credit website)
- Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 (Gov.UK, 31st May)
- Safe Spaces - during the Covid lockdown you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can safely ask for help
- Summary of guidance from the Association of British Nurologists around coronavirus and neurological problems (Brain & Spine Foundation)
- Vitamin D advice for everyone: coronavirus (April 22nd)
- Coronavirus in children (NHS, April 22nd)
- Your Pet, You and Covid-19 (Freshfields Animal Rescue)
- Accessing dental care in England from June 8
• Can I go on holiday in the UK? (Visit England, June 2020)
• Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19) (Gov.UK, June 2020)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers (Gov.UK, July 2020)
• Coronavirus advice for customers (ABTA, Association of British Travel Agents, June 2020)
Wash your hands
"Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and flu." Info from: NHS
"Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas where other people are doing so. Use hand sanitiser if that’s all you have access to." Info from: Public Health England
- Myths about Coronavirus: information you can trust from the World Health Organization instead.
- Your most popular questions answered with information from the BBC.
- Rolling updates on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the World Health Organization
