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FAQ's - COVID-19

COVID-19 changes from Friday 1 April 2022

Your questions answered

The government has removed remaining domestic restrictions in England. There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.

We have set out the most commonly asked questions and the answers below.  If you have a question which is not included here, please get in touch with the council.

What to do if you develop symptoms or test positive

What are the main symptoms of COVID-19?

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • loss of taste or smell
Who can access free NHS COVID-19 testing?

Most people can no longer access free testing for COVID-19. 

You can get free NHS tests if you have a health condition which means you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

You may also be able to get free NHS tests if:

  • you're going into hospital
  • you work in healthcare or adult social care

What should I do if I or someone in my house develops COVID-19 symptoms?

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you no longer feel unwell.

Avoid close contact with anyone who you know is at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if they are infected with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, especially those whose immune system means that they are at higher risk of serious illness, despite vaccination.

• stay at home if you can

• let people who you have been in close contact with know about your positive test result so that they can follow this guidance

• avoid meeting people at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID-19 for 10 days

• follow public health guidance on reducing household transmission

Will NHS Test and Trace contact me?

No, from 24 February 2022 routine contact tracing ended for both cases and contacts.

Do I still need to isolate if I have symptoms or test positive?

From 24 February 2022, legally, you no longer need to self-isolate but if you can, you are advised to stay at home especially if you feel unwell.

Your workplace setting may have a policy in place which requires you to stay at home until you have received a negative test result. Particularly if you work with the elderly or vulnerable.
I am a positive case and need to leave my home. What steps can I take to protect others?

If you have COVID-19, you are advised to stay at home if you can.

If you do need to leave your home while you are still infectious, you can take steps to reduce the chance of passing on the infection to other people:

  • wear a well-fitting face covering
  • avoid contact with anyone you know who is at higher risk of becoming severely unwell
  • avoid crowded places
  • if you need to go the shops or to take public transport, avoid busy times, for example by using off peak services
  • limit close contact with other people outside your household as much as possible. Meet outside and try and stay at least 2 metres apart from them.
  • if you are not able to work from home, speak to your employer about how you can limit contact with others in the workplace, for example through changing working hours
  • take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have contact with other people
  • be especially careful with your hand and respiratory hygiene

 

 

Getting help if you feel unwell

I have COVID-19 and am feeling unwell.  Where can I get help?

NHS 111 is there to make it easier and quicker for you to get the right advice or treatment you need for your physical or mental health.

To get help from NHS 111, you can:

 • go online to nhs.uk (for assessment of people aged 5 and over only).

• call 111 for free from a landline or mobile phone.

Get advice from NHS 111 or a GP if:

• you're feeling gradually more unwell or more breathless

 • you have difficulty breathing when you stand up or move around

• you feel very weak, achy or tired • you're shaking or shivering

• you've lost your appetite

• you're unable to care for yourself – for example, tasks like washing and dressing or making food are too difficult

• you still feel unwell after 4 weeks – this may be long COVID

 

Work and workplaces

I have tested positive; can I go to work?

You are advised to work from home for at least five days if you are able to do so.

 If you are unable to work from home, talk to your employer about options available to you/

If you need to leave your home during the 5 days after your positive test result the following steps will reduce the chance of passing on COVID-19 to others:

• wear a well-fitting face covering/surgical face mask/respirator such as an FFP2 mask

• avoid contact with anyone you know who is at higher risk of becoming severely unwell in case they contract COVID-19

• avoid crowded areas in your work place and work in a well-ventilated area if you can

• if you need to go the shops or to take public transport to work, avoid busy times, for example by using off peak services

• limit close contact with other people outside your household as much as possible

• meet outside and try and stay at least 2 metres apart from them

• be especially careful with your hand and respiratory hygiene