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 especially when in enclosed spaces
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:

meet outside, or open windows and doors for indoor visitors
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.

Face coverings

In England, face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport, including taxis.

See: Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own - GOV.UK

Let fresh air in

Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer. Meeting outdoors vastly reduces the risk of airborne transmission. However, it is not always possible, particularly through the winter. If you are indoors, being in a room with fresh air (and, for example, opening your windows regularly for 10 minutes or a small amount continuously) can still reduce the airborne risk from COVID-19 substantially compared to spaces with no fresh air.

Cambridge University video showing the importance of ventilation to minimise the spread of Covid-19

Click to play video: 2021 11 05 HealthBehaviours AutWin PRfilm Ventilation Full 1x1 subs

What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms

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

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus

Covid-19 vaccines

When and how to get your Covid-19 vaccination

Covid-19 testing

When and how to book a Covid-19 test in Hammersmith & Fulham.

Self-isolation and treating symptoms of coronavirus

Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

Guidance for households with possible infection including information in other languages

Self-isolation support payments

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 people living through domestic abuse

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

Support and advice for people living through domestic abuse

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

NHS free helplines and organisations
NHS mental health and wellbeing advice website for self-assessment, audio guides and practical tools, if you are experiencing stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood.
NHS Volunteer Responders Help is available from NHS Volunteer Responders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Every Mind Matters - coronavirus and mental wellbeing - simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health.
MIND - coronavirus and your wellbeing
If you are still struggling after several weeks and it is affecting your daily life, please contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
Access free easy ten minute work outs from Public Health England or try other exercise videos at home on the NHS Fitness Studio. Sport England also has tips for keeping active at home.
The Every Mind Matters sleep page provides practical advice on how to improve your sleep.

Support for families

Keeping fit

Support for young people

H&F Youth Council’s tips for young people - getting through coronavirus and self-isolation