Many of us will be self-isolating in the coming weeks – but what does it involve?
Staying at home and having minimal contact with the outside world will help slow the spread of coronavirus, fending off a steep rise that could overwhelm the NHS.
The latest official guidance is that anyone with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature must self-isolate for seven days – no matter how mild the symptoms are.
People have also been urged to self-isolate for 14 days if they have been to an affected area or had close contact with a person who has the virus.
[https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/21043/425639/5e6ba787ed31e/1584113378250.jpg]
Close contact is defined as spending 15 minutes or more within two metres of them – around three steps away – holding a face-to-face conversation, being coughed on or having contact with their bodily fluid.
Graham Cooke, professor of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, said: “The more that can be done to prevent someone infected passing on the virus, the slower its spread will be. That will buy us time to test drugs and vaccines and ease the challenge on the health system. The majority of infected individuals are not sick enough to need medical care, but can be infectious.
“By self-isolating, they minimise the risk of passing the virus, potentially saving the lives of others.”
If you are concerned about having the virus, do not walk into a hospital or pharmacy, as you will risk infecting others.
Instead, contact the NHS 111 online service for advice on the next steps – or call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Here is all you need to know about self-isolation and how to prepare for it…
matt.roper@mirror.co.uk @DailyMirror
DOs AND DON’Ts
DO...
Stay at home.
Separate yourself from other people – for example, try not to be in the same room as other people at the same time.
Stay in a separate, well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened.
Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose ...
Staying at home and having minimal contact with the outside world will help slow the spread of coronavirus, fending off a steep rise that could overwhelm the NHS.
The latest official guidance is that anyone with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature must self-isolate for seven days – no matter how mild the symptoms are.
People have also been urged to self-isolate for 14 days if they have been to an affected area or had close contact with a person who has the virus.
[https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/21043/425639/5e6ba787ed31e/1584113378250.jpg]
Close contact is defined as spending 15 minutes or more within two metres of them – around three steps away – holding a face-to-face conversation, being coughed on or having contact with their bodily fluid.
Graham Cooke, professor of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, said: “The more that can be done to prevent someone infected passing on the virus, the slower its spread will be. That will buy us time to test drugs and vaccines and ease the challenge on the health system. The majority of infected individuals are not sick enough to need medical care, but can be infectious.
“By self-isolating, they minimise the risk of passing the virus, potentially saving the lives of others.”
If you are concerned about having the virus, do not walk into a hospital or pharmacy, as you will risk infecting others.
Instead, contact the NHS 111 online service for advice on the next steps – or call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Here is all you need to know about self-isolation and how to prepare for it…
matt.roper@mirror.co.uk @DailyMirror
DOs AND DON’Ts
DO...
Stay at home.
Separate yourself from other people – for example, try not to be in the same room as other people at the same time.
Stay in a separate, well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened.
Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose ...
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Daily Mirror UK (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 13, 2020