Get a test and stay at home
For example, if you’re out of work, need to get food, or want to take care of your mental health.
Local COVID Alert Level: high applies to Coventry, Slough and Stoke-on-Trent
Local COVID Alert Level: Very High applies to Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield
Local COVID Alert Level: Very High applies to Greater Manchester
Local COVID Alert Level: High applies to Barrow-in-Furness, Chesterfield, Elmbridge, Erewash, Essex, London boroughs, North East Derbyshire and York
Use the postcode checker to find out the Local COVID Alert Level for an area.
How to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support if you’re working less or not working - and find out how to stay safe at work.
Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support for your business or if you’re self-employed, and find out how to keep your business and your employees safe
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for parents, schools, colleges and universities: closures, exams, learning, health and wellbeing.
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
See specific guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
As winter approaches, we’ll be spending more time indoors. This will increase the risk of coronavirus spreading.
The following reconstructions of everyday environments show why washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping at least 2m apart is vital in controlling the spread.
Coronavirus can live for more than 24 hours indoors.
You could pick up or pass on the virus by touching a contaminated surface.
Washing your hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser, regularly throughout the day will reduce the risk of catching or passing it on.
Coronavirus can be found in tiny droplets coming out of your nose and mouth.
Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth reduces the spread of droplets carrying the virus. This means if you have it, you’re less likely to pass it on to others.
Larger droplets can land on other people or on surfaces they touch. Spreading the virus through droplets is most likely to happen when you are less than 2m apart.
Smaller droplets called aerosols can stay in the air for some time, especially if there is no ventilation.
So when you are with people not from your household, you must keep at least 2m apart.
The risk of spreading the virus through smaller droplets is much less outdoors, where there is more ventilation.
Wash your hands, cover your face, make space. These are the three most effective ways we can all control the spread of the virus.
Remember if you have any coronavirus symptoms; high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, get a free test by calling 119 or visiting NHS.uk.
Together, we will control the virus and stop the spread.
Don’t forget, Hands, Face, Space.
Published 21 October 2020
Published 20 October 2020
Published 16 October 2020