Top clinicians are issuing advice to help reduce the spread
of infection as the country moves into the ‘delay’ phase of its
response to Covid-19.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday,
people worried about symptoms are being told by the chief medical
officer not to call NHS 111 to try to book a test, as Public
Health England have recommended an end to routinely testing for
coronavirus in this next phase of the epidemic.
Instead, anyone worried about having the virus should
self-isolate, without calling or checking with NHS 111
first.
Travel and contact history are no longer important for
diagnosis, which will now be made on the basis of symptoms: a new
continuous cough or high temperature.
The NHS is urging people to visit a new online advice hub
at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus as
the go-to place for clear advice for people with early symptoms
of coronavirus.
The new web page details the latest guidance for anyone
experiencing these possible early signs of coronavirus, and
people should use this page as their first port of call if they
are experiencing symptoms.
Professor Stephen Powis, national medical
director for the NHS, said: “Everyone who has
symptoms including a new continuous cough or high temperature
should now stay at home and self-isolate, without needing to call
or checking with NHS 111. As recommended by the chief medical
officer, routine testing will now stop as it is unnecessary for
those staying at home.
“As the chief medical officer also warned yesterday,
calling NHS 111 routinely can put extra pressure on the NHS and
could even make it harder for people with life-threatening
conditions to get the help they need.
"The alternative option is expert and convenient
advice online at nhs.uk/coronavirus which
is the best port of call for help with coronavirus.
“For anyone who needs to stay at home and get better, they
should continue to follow our advice and practice good
hygiene, especially washing your hands more often and for longer,
which will keep you and your family safe.”
Anyone who has either a new continuous cough or high
temperature should follow this advice:
-
Stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from
when your symptoms started. This action will help protect
others in your community whilst you are
infectious.
-
Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can
successfully stay at home.
-
Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get
the things you need to stay at home.
-
Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other
people in your home whenever possible.
-
Sleep alone, if that is possible.
-
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using
soap and water.
-
Stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly
and those with underlying health conditions as much as
possible.
-
Remain at home until 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
After 7 days, if you feel better and no longer have a fever,
you can return to your normal routine.
-
If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no
better after 7 days use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111; for a
medical emergency dial 999.
-
A cough may persist for several weeks in some people,
despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent
cough along does not mean people must continue to self isolate
for more than 7 days.
This advice will continue to be reviewed and updated by
experts, and the public can access the most up to date
information at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
