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COVID-19: latest guidance on protecting yourself

View information and advice about protecting yourself including what you can and can't do during the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

National lockdown: Stay at Home

From Tuesday, 5 January 2021 you must stay at home. You must follow the government guidance which is now enforced by law. 

  • COVID-19 Winter Plan - the government has created a plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
  • Support for people affected by coronavirus - whether you're clinically extremely vulnerable or you just need help as a result of the pandemic, you can access advice and support.

National lockdown: what you can and cannot do  

Testing children and isolation from school

Find out what to do if your child has COVID-19 symptoms, tests positive, has to self-isolate and more.

Face coverings

Wear face coverings in shops and all public places, as much as possible. Government rules mean customers must wear a face covering in several indoor settings. This includes shops, public transport, taxis, takeaways, banks, post offices, places of worship, barbers, hairdressers and libraries or you could face a fine. This is to help curb the spread of the virus.

This does not apply to children under the age of 3, is optional for children under the age of 11 and not mandatory for people with a disability or a legitimate reason not to wear one.

To safely wear a face covering:

  • Wash or sanitise your hands before you put it on and after you remove it
  • Make sure it covers your nose and mouth
  • Try to avoid touching it while you're wearing it
  • If it becomes damp, change it and try to store it in a plastic bag until you can wash or dispose of it
  • Change or wash it daily
  • Wash you hands for at least 20 seconds with soap after handling it
  • View full government guidance on wearing face coverings 

Information and advice mainly from GOV.UK and NHS.UK

There are several information sources covering a range of different topics. You may need to use more than one of these websites to help keep you stay safer. 

  • Coronavirus: what you need to do on GOV.UK - all the information in one place from the UK government. It includes testing, protecting yourself and others, employment and financial support, school closures, education, childcare, information for businesses, healthcare workers and carers, and more.       

Report a business or individual possibly breaking COVID-19 rules

Find out how to report either a business or an individual possibly breaking coronavirus measures.

NHS Test and Trace

Find out about the test and trace service, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive. There's also information about how to apply for a test.

Handwashing advice

For the safest and most thorough handwashing method, watch this NHS video. Hand washing still plays a key role in protecting yourself and others. Wash your hands regularly, use soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser and make sure you store hand sanitiser safely out of reach of children.

 

Watch video on YouTube (1min 44secs)

The government's plan to rebuild the UK

The plan describes the progress so far and plans for moving forward. It will be kept under constant review. 

Local helpline for coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you’re a vulnerable resident or know of a vulnerable resident that requires food supplies, or any other help and support please contact us.

Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 information and advice

View information and advice about the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Popular COVID-19 pages

Basics to help tackle COVID-19

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