As of 13th March 2020 the government is advising that you self isolate at home for 7 days if you have any of the following corona virus symptoms:
A new continuous cough, or high temperature (37.8 degrees centigrade of higher), or you a have a loss of sense of smell or taste.
You do not need a Fit Note from your GP if you are self isolating for 7 days.
The government has produced stay at home guidance for patients who are self isolating.
You can end self-isolation and return to normal life 7 days after the onset of symptoms if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you may still have a lingering cough.
Someone in my home has suspected Corona Virus – what should I do?
If anyone in your household has symptoms of Corona Virus YOU MUST SELF ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS. This is because the incubation period for the virus could be up to 14 days. This means you may be infected but won’t show any symptoms for up to 14 days. If you do develop symptoms you must then stay at home for 7 days. If there is anyone in your household who has not been infected they must stay at home for a further 14 days. Further information can be found here.
I have been contacted by Track and Trace – what should I do?
You must self isolate for 14 days after you have had contact with the person who tested positive. This means you must not leave your home to shop or attend work. You must stay inside.
You will not be asked to provide any information to track and trace about your recent contacts or any financial details to confirm identity or for any other purpose.
If you live with someone who is shielding or at higher risk from Coronavirus considering moving out or asking them to for the duration of your isolation to lower their risk of catching the virus. If you have to stay in the same home together, read about how to avoid spreading coronavirus to people you live with
If you develop symptoms you must request a coronavirus test and use the track and trace service. If you have a corona virus test and you test negative you CANNOT return to work until you have been in isolation for 14 days. This is because the virus can incubate for a period of 14 days from exposure to illness.
More about the governments Track and Trace Service
Am I considered vulnerable?
Most patients who receive a flu vaccination are considered vulnerable. The government has given specific advice to those who have underlying conditions or are over 70. Evidence in other countries has shown that in you fall into any of these categories you are more at risk from serious complications if you catch Corona Virus. We have written to all patients who need to be shielding as their risk of severe complications from catching Covid 19 (Corona Virus) is high. If anyone in your household shows signs of the disease, you must in the first instance remove yourself from the home to stay elsewhere. If this is not possible segregate yourself as much as you can, using separate bedrooms, bathrooms and thoroughly wash all shared items.
How long will my symptoms last?
Your cough may persist for several weeks, despite the corona virus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean you must continue to self-isolate for more than 7 days.
Should I contact my GP
National guidance asks for patients to self isolate at home for 7 days and access the NHS 111 app . You can contact 111 by telephone if you feel your symptoms are worsening or your GP for advice. We are regularly contacting at risk patients who have reported symptoms to monitor their care and the UK Gov. has a self reporting text message service for patients who are infected.
If you are unable to access 111 contact the surgery by telephone.
Do not attend in person at the practice for assessment or to request an appointment.Your GP practice cares for a number of vulnerable patients on a regular basis and to prevent spread we are asking patients not to attend the surgery.
