If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Stay at home until you get the result.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service if:

  • you’re worried about your symptoms
  • you’re not sure what to do

Call 111 if you cannot get help online. Do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.

Call 111 if you’re worried about a baby or child under 5. If your child seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong, call 999. Do not delay getting help if you’re worried. Trust your instincts.

Get more advice about coronavirus in children.

Self-isolation and treating coronavirus symptoms

Visit the NHS website for the latest advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

Please do download the NHS COVID-19 app today. The free NHS COVID-19 app is a vital part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England, and the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect service.

Hands. Face. Space.

Approximately 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it.

Remember – ‘Hands. Face. Space.’

  • hands – wash your hands regularly and for at least 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)

Guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding)

If you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus (often people who were previously advised to shield for medical reasons) If you’re at high risk (clinically extremely vulnerable) from coronavirus (COVID-19), you’re advised to take extra steps to protect yourself.

You should have received a letter from the NHS or your GP saying you’re clinically extremely vulnerable. If you’re not sure if you’re at high risk, see who’s at higher risk from coronavirus.

Read the latest advice for those who at high risk.

If you are not in this group, but may need help because of ill-health, isolation or access to essentials, there is a range of support available. Find out about services that can help with specific issues, like mental health support, and what to do if you can’t get food, medicines, or are lonely and isolated, on your council’s website:

Partners