It is critical that everybody observes the following key behaviours:

• HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.The NHS has made a video to explain how to wash your hands.
• FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
• SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors).

The Government have issued guidance about how to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This guidance provides information about:

How to protect yourself and others

It is possible to have COVID-19 with no symptoms. You can pass COVID-19 on to others if you only have mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all. The main way of spreading COVID-19 is through close contact with an infected person. When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles (droplets and aerosols) containing the virus that causes COVID-19. These particles can be breathed in by another person.

Surfaces and belongings, such as furniture, benches or door handles, can also be contaminated with COVID-19, when people who are infected cough or sneeze near them or if they touch them.

Follow Government guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is especially important if you live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable:

• Keep a safe distance (social distancing) If you must leave your home stay at least 2 metres away from people from people you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble, avoid crowded areas and face to face contact with people you do not live with.
• Remember the basics of good hygiene, such as regular hand washing, cleaning your surroundings, and covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Wear a face covering, especially in places where you must wear a face covering by law. Wearing a face covering may not be possible in every situation and some people are exempt; please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances.
• Let fresh air in (ventilation) to reduce the spread of contaminated air to other parts of the household, especially after visitors such as cleaners or tradespersons.
• Get tested if you have symptoms, such as a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell. If you have any of these symptoms click get a free NHS test or call NHS 119 to book a free COVID-19 test. You should arrange a test even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or if you have had COVID-19 before. It is important to know if you have COVID-19 so that you stay at home, self-isolate and do not infect other people. Contacting people you may have been in contact with to advise them to self-isolate.
• Self-isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result. Your isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you do not have symptoms), and the next 10 full days. You must stay at home at all times and not have contact with other people, except for medical assistance or shopping. There is additional guidance for those who have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus and live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable or over 70.
• Self-isolate if you live with someone or are a contact of someone who has COVID-19. You are not required to self-isolate if you live with someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and you are fully vaccinated, less than 18 years and 6 months old, have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial, or you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
• Vaccination. The NHS is currently offering COVID-19 vaccines to all adults. The vaccines have been shown to reduce the likelihood of severe illness. Even if you have been vaccinated, you could still spread COVID-19 to others. To help protect your friends, family, and community you should continue to follow all of the advice above even if you have been vaccinated.