Visiting a medical setting

Healthcare settings will continue to request that patients, staff and visitors adhere to Public Health England’s infection control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance.

What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature 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
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• shortness of breath
• feeling tired or exhausted
• an aching body
• a headache
• a sore throat
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.

You will not be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.

You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Learn about getting a test here.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.

• Use the 111 coronavirus service

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus 

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

Do

• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• Stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people, if you need to go outside

Don't:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Who is at high risk?

You may be at high risk from coronavirus if you:

• Have had an organ transplant
• Are having certain types of cancer treatment
• Have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
• Have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
• Have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections
• Are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
• Are pregnant and have a serious heart condition

Staying safe guidance can be found here.

Pregnancy advice

If you're pregnant and worried about coronavirus, you can get advice about coronavirus and pregnancy from the Royal College of Obstretricians and Gynaecologists.