Information on coronavirus
For the most up to date information about Covid-19 be sure to check gov.uk/coronavirus
National lockdown
On 6 January 2021, the third national lockdown in England became law and everyone must now follow the Stay at Home rules.
This follows the announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the strict new curbs would include the closure of schools for most children and the return of shielding for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
The lockdown is in response to a rapid rise in infections, hospital admissions and case rates.
You must not leave, or be outside of your home, except where necessary. You may leave your home to:
- Shop for basic necessities
- Go to work (if you cannot do so from home)
- Exercise once a day with your household, support bubble or one other person
- Get medical help
- Attend education or childcare (if eligible).
Stay up to date with the guidance on the Government website.
Wiltshire Council also has a dedicated web page of local information and guidance around coronavirus.
Return of shielding
People who are at high risk of coronavirus and clinically extremely vulnerable have been told to shield again.
This means you should go out only for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.
If you think you might have coronavirus
Symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- loss or change in sense of smell or taste
What to do if you have these symptoms
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You should stay at home and self isolate.
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home. Read the NHS advice about staying at home.
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
How to self isolate if you or someone in your house has coronavirus
If you have symptoms of coronavirus you should stay home and self isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms start.
This means you should not leave your house, even to do shopping, to avoid spreading the virus.
If you live with someone with symptoms, you will need to stay at home for 10 days.
Full stay at home guidance is available on the Government website.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
Do:
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
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Put used tissues in the bin straight away.
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Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
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Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Don't:
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Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Easy read information on coronavirus
Getting tested for coronavirus (Covid-19)
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of test available is available on the Government's website.
When to wear a face covering
For the latest advice on where you need to wear a face covering and how to make your own, click the link below.
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to and some people are exempt from wearing them.
Information for children and young people
The Children's Commissioner has created a guide which aims to answer children’s questions about coronavirus, telling children how to stay safe and protect other people.
The Association for Young People's Health has created a Covid-19 information page aimed at young people, and those who care for them, on how to look after themselves and others and how to access more support.
Further information
NHS England has produced a list of common questions about coronavirus, covering advice for you and your family, how it's caught and spread, prevention, self-isolation, testing and treatment and foreign travel.
Other places for information:
