Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hands | Face I Space | Fresh Air
Vaccines are widely available and are the best step for protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community. England has entered Step 4 of the Covid Roadmap. The pandemic is not over and people are advised to exercise caution in certain circumstances.
The Government issued guidelines for England and the UK, including the whole Havant Constituency, are regularly updated.
Step 4
England entered Step 4, which is the final stage of the Covid Roadmap, on 19 July. All legal limits on the number of people meeting indoors and outdoors have been lifted. All businesses are allowed to re-open. The limit on visitors to care homes, concerts, theatre, and sports events have been lifted. Social distancing and facemarks are not legally required by the Government. Employers and transportation services may ask that employees and riders still wear masks. Employers may ask that employees cease working at home.
More details on England's roadmap may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021
The Government response to COVID-19 is guided by medical and scientific advice received from the independent Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor, taking into account information from the NHS and other relevant public bodies.
Alan is not able to provide medical, financial or legal advice on an individual basis, but can help Havant Constituency residents dealing with central Government Departments and agencies.
If you are self-isolating or shielding and in need of urgent help you should call the Hampshire Coronavirus Response Hub on 0333 370 4000.
How serious is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called a Coronavirus. An NHS overview on COVID-19 can be found here.
The evidence shows us that the vast majority of people who get this virus have relatively mild symptoms and make a full recovery. But in a small percentage of cases, the virus can cause more severe symptoms and even lead to death. This is particularly true for people with a weakened immune system, for older people and for those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
A lot of false information about this virus is being shared - it’s very important that you make sure that the information you use comes from a trusted source - all of the information on this page has been sourced from the NHS.
Get vaccinated
Sign up for a vaccine if you are eligible. Currently, people aged 18 and over, people with conditions that put them at high risk, those with certain jobs that put them at high risk and others are eligible to receive a vaccine. Visit our page on vaccines for more information and a full list of eligibility requirements, or visit the NHS webpage on vaccines.
What are the symptoms?
If you are infected you may have very minor symptoms, or more severe symptoms. The NHS cites three symptoms to look out for as:
-
A new continuous cough
-
A fever or high temperature
-
A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
*About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. This is why everyone is advised to get tested regularly.
What should I do if I have any of the above symptoms?
-
Get tested - Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests are free and may be taken at home
-
Self-isolate - protect others, do not go to your GP, pharmacy, or local hospital
-
Visit the NHS self-isolation webpage for more information.
How do I get tested?
If you have symptoms, visit the UK testing webpage for a free PCR test
If you don't have symptoms, visit the NHS regular rapid test webpage for a free test
For the most up-to-date information visit the UK's Coronavirus webpage