Health and wellbeing advice

Stay safe and stop coronavirus spreading

It's very important to do what you can to reduce the risk of you and other people getting ill with coronavirus. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms.

There are three simple things we must all do to stop coronavirus spreading:

  • wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds, use hand a sanitiser if soap and water are not available
  • wear something that covers your mouth and nose when in enclosed spaces (see Face coverings and masks)
  • keep your distance - stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering 

Other things you can do to help stop the spread of the virus include:

  • cover your mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin
  • avoid touching your face if your hands are not clean
  • stay at home as much as possible
  • work from home if you can
  • limit contact with other people
  • don't leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms

Stay at home, self-isolate and book a test if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • high temperature - this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • new, continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • a loss of, or change to, your sense of taste or smell.

Covid-19 testing

Mass testing in H&F

The H&F Covid-19 testing programme is now underway. Residents and employees of local businesses who do not have symptoms are invited to book a test at one of our local test sites. 

If you have symptoms and want to get tested, you can book a test for NHS testing centres including Olympia in H&F.

Find out more by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Testing is available for people of all ages.

If you test positive, you will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace who will help you identify who you have been in contact with and will gather their contact details. You must isolate for 10 days. People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms. Please visit the NHS advice on self-isolation if you or someone you live with has symptoms.

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus

Guidance for households with possible infection including information in other languages

Self-isolation - what does it mean?

Self-isolation - what does it mean?

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus (shielding)

​Coronavirus can make anyone seriously ill, but there are some people who are at a higher risk.

See Advice for people at high risk from coronavirus (shielding) 

Advice for care homes and visitors to care homes

Please see Visiting care homes during Covid-19

Help for adults needing support in their homes

Conversations matter - a telephone support service for adults needing support in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic

H&F CAN (Community Aid Network) - H&F CAN is the volunteer community aid network to support residents in need during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Help for domestic abuse victims 

The coronavirus outbreak brings new challenges for people living through domestic abuse, however support is still available in H&F.

Supporting domestic abuse victims during the coronavirus outbreak

Advice for people who receive direct payments

If you receive direct payments to organise your own care and support you may find this information useful.

Coronavirus advice for people who receive direct payments

Coping with self-isolation and being indoors

The coronavirus outbreak brings new challenges for people who have to self-isolate or stay indoors with their families or alone. There is help available on the phone and online. Here are some resources you may find useful.   

General support

Get in touch with a local support group

British Red Cross

If you’re feeling lonely or worried, finding it difficult to access food or medication, or are concerned about someone else who is, the British Red Cross support line can help.

Call the free and confidential coronavirus support line on 0808 196 3651 to chat to a friendly British Red Cross volunteer. The phone line is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Or visit redcross.org.uk/coronavirus-support-line

Staying safe

Mental health support

Support for families

Keeping fit

Support for young people

More information

A New year's Eve video message from Dr Nicola Lang, Director of Public Health at Hammersmith & Fulham

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