Information for everyone

Handwashing

Primary focus remains on handwashing and respiratory hygiene (‘Catch it, bin it, kill it’) whilst strongly discouraging presenteeism (attending work whilst ill).

Further guidance on isolation is now available.

Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever and/or new continuous cough) must isolate for 10 days. If they live with others then they should isolate along with their whole household (see Stay at Home guidance for details and diagram). They must then inform their Chain of Command and their Station Medical Centre.

Their 10-day isolation period starts from the day when the first person in the household became ill. This health advice is being updated regularly and it is vital that personnel comply with the issued guidance if they, or a member of their household, become symptomatic.

Social distancing

Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible.
Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information.
Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Individuals at increased risk of severe illness (see guidance) are strongly advised to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures to reduce social interaction.

Everyone should be reducing social interaction as much as possible. This should include:

· Avoiding non-essential use of public transport.

· Working remotely where possible. When at work then reducing close contact (e.g. within 2m) as much as possible.

· Avoiding large gatherings and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs.

· Avoiding gatherings with friends and family.