Coronavirus cases are rapidly rising across the country and we all must do what we can to stop the spread. #stopthespread
Approximately 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it.
It is critical that everybody observes the following key behaviours:
- HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 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.
- 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).
Do you know the difference between quarantine, isolation and shielding or know how to properly socially distance?
See the simple explanations below and help to reduce cases across the country.
Social Distancing
To reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus, you should minimise time spent with people you do not live with, and when around other people ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble. Social distancing is essential to stop the spread of the virus, as it is more likely to spread when people are close together. An infected person can pass on the virus through talking, breathing, coughing, or sneezing even if they do not have any symptoms.
Self-Isolation
Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps stop the virus spreading to other people. Self-isolation is different to:
- social distancing – general advice for everyone to avoid close contact with other people.
- shielding – advice for people at high risk from coronavirus
It can take up to 10 days for you to develop coronavirus symptoms after you catch the virus and, in this time, you can unknowingly pass it on to others, even if you do not have symptoms.
Self-isolating will reduce the spread of coronavirus in England and help prevent family, friends, and the community from contracting coronavirus, as well as helping to protect the NHS.
Quarantine
Similar to self-isolation, Quarantine is the restriction on the movement of people, which is intended to prevent the spread of disease. Preventing the movement of those who may have been exposed to a COVID-19, but do not have a confirmed case.
Shielding
If you are at high risk (clinically extremely vulnerable) from coronavirus (COVID-19), you are advised to take extra steps to protect yourself. This advice is for people who have received a letter from the NHS or their GP saying they are clinically extremely vulnerable. You are advised to stay at home as much as possible. You should only leave your home for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.
If you do go out, try to:
- limit how long you spend outside your home.
- keep all contact with other people to a minimum
- avoid busy areas.
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If you want to find out more about shielding, self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine, visit the .gov website and the NHS site. Links can be found below.
