Self Isolation Explained

If you have a persistent cough or fever which are the symptoms of Coronavirus, however mild:

  • Do not come to the GP Surgery or visit the community pharmacy or hospital
  • Stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started
  • You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self isolation
  • If your symptoms worsen during home self isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

Advice on Self-Isolation for Patients and Staff

Please stay indoors, confined in your house. If possible, use a separate bathroom. If this is not possible, wipe down toilet and sink surfaces with an anti-bacterial spray after you have used it.

Remember the advice regarding tissues:

  • Catch it, bin it, kill it

Remember the advice on regular hand washing:

  • Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, as long as it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice

You should:

  • Try to keep at least 2 metres (3 steps) from other people in your home, particularly older people or those with long-term health conditions
  • Ask friends and family and delivery services to deliver things like food shopping and medicines – but avoid contact with them
  • Sleep alone if possible
  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Try to stay away from older people and those with long-term health conditions
  • Drink plenty of water and take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to help with your symptoms

You should not:

  • Have visitors (ask people to leave deliveries outside)
  • Leave the house, for example to go for a walk, to school or public places

Use the 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