The recent rises in COVID-19 cases across the country - in all age groups and communities - are a stark warning to us all that we need to keep working together to slow the spread of the virus.

One of the best ways we can protect ourselves and each other is to remember; hands, face, space. That means washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed public places and keeping our distance from people who aren’t in our household. These actions will help prevent coronavirus from spreading, protecting the people around us. We also need to reduce our circle of contacts so there are less opportunities for the virus to spread through our communities.

Self-isolation is still vitally important to stop COVID-19 from spreading in our community, particularly to people who could become very sick if they catch the virus.

You need to self-isolate if:

  • you have any COVID-19 symptoms (the symptoms are a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell)
  • you or someone in your household are waiting for a test result
  • you or someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19
  • you’re notified by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app that you could be at risk of having coronavirus because you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

This blog explains why self isolation is so important. It details:

  • What self-isolation is and how long should I isolate for including
    • When You must isolate for 10 days
    • When You must isolate for 14 days
  • Some important facts about self-isolation including:
    • That you can get support to help you self-isolate
    • Self-isolation is not the same as social distancing
    • How we can all support each other