Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness which affects people’s lungs and airways. The virus spreads between people like flu, via respiratory droplets from coughing. The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically five days but may range from two to 14 days. Symptoms are most often fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Latest national guidance
The latest guidance relating to symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been updated and you can read the full guidance on the Government website.
From 24 July, face coverings are required in shops and supermarkets to help contain the virus.
It is also still important to follow the basic steps, which include:
All individuals should self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia. Anosmia is the loss of or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked.
Individual’s households should also self-isolate for 14 days as per the current guidelines and the individual should stay at home for 10 days, or longer if they still have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell.
If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 find out how to get tested and read more about track and trace.
This page details the latest, accurate information and advice anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of the virus. It also links to the latest guidance for people, schools, businesses and care settings.
Latest guidance for those shielding
- The advisory guidance from the Government has been eased for 2.2 million clinically extremely vulnerable people across England, as the virus infection rates continue to fall.
- Those shielding from Coronavirus can gather in groups of up to 6 people outdoors and form a ‘support bubble’ with another household.
- The Government shielding support package will remain in place until the end of July when people will no longer be advised to shield.