3 ways to protecting yourself from Covid-19

Wash your hands

Covid-19 virous is spread through droplets in coughs or sneezes. If you cough onto your hand and then touch a door handle, the virus will remain on the handle and can be passed to the next person who opens the door. You must frequently wash your hands and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue

Washing your hands with soap or sanitiser will kill the virus and reduce its spread. It is especially important to do this when returning from the shops with food and before you prepare it. If you are unwell throw your tissues away and again wash your hands.

Social distancing

This involves staying at least 2 meters away from other people who do not live with you whilst you are out of the house.

If you are walking, running or cycling avoid slip streaming other members of the public and keep a greater distance to avoid passing through droplet clouds left by others exercising.

Self isolate

If you have Covid-19 symptoms you need to self-isolate. This means staying at home for 7 days following the start of your symptoms. If others live with you, they will need to stay at home for 14 days to make sure that symptoms do not appear.

Are you symptomatic?

Check to see if you have Covid-19 symptoms

If you feel you have Covid 19 symptoms, or have recently been in contact with someone who has the virus or have returned from a country which has a high number of virus cases, you can now take a test to see if you have it.

The PCR home test kit is 99.9% reliable in determining if you currently have the virus as it detects the presence of RNA in the virus itself in your swab. Home throat swabs are sent off to the UKAS lab for analysis under sophisticated conditions which reflect the standards carried out. Results are received in a couple of days. If you do text positive this kit allows you to access an online GP who will offer expert advice and support you.

It’s always good to look ahead and make a plan in case you have to self isolate. Make sure you have someone available who you can call to do your shopping, or alternatively you could do your shopping online.

Do not visit your GP or hospital if you are symptomatic unless it is an emergency and your symptoms have become severe, as you can pass the virus onto others. Call NHS 111 instead to get further advice and support.