Health and wellbeing advice

Access health and wellbeing information in British Sign Language (BSL).

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.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do

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

Get a test if you have symptoms. 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 high risk

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

Please see the NHS advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus for more information and advice on extra things you can do to avoid catching coronavirus.

Shielding: How to keep safe during the coronavirus outbreak 

Guidance is for adults and children who have been identified by the NHS as at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) because of an underlying health condition. It also contains guidance for the person’s family, friends and carers. 

Shielding: How to keep safe during the coronavirus outbreak

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

Coronavirus 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 

Staying safe

Mental health support

Support for families

Keeping fit

Support for young people

More information

A video message from Niki Lang, Director of Public Health at Hammersmith & Fulham

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BSL video of this page

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