INFORMATION AND ADVICE
How can I get a COVID-19 test?
If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible. Members of the public can order a test through the NHS website.
If you are an essential worker or an employer, please visit:
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can order a test by phoning 119.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE:
Childline – Information for young people
NSPCC – Advice and support for parents and carers
Leaflet for young children
Children & Young People domestic Abuse newsletter
CAMHS Self-help Guides
Supporting young people with anxiety & other resources
Dentist
How to get a dentist
DOMESTIC ABUSE:
Support for victims of domestic abuse
What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?
Domestic Violence & Abuse guidance: Covid-19
Children & Young People domestic Abuse newsletter
FOODBANKS
Foodbank list
FRIENDS & FAMILY:
‘Look out for each other’ from Public Health England – New campaign resources for those who are well and not at risk, on how they can safely support their friends, family and neighbours in isolation.
GENERAL:
Coronavirus advice and updates from a range of organisations
Eating and Drinking Well During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Lockdown Reading List (Beacon Service)
Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp
NHS general advise
Bury Council – Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and advice
What does shielding mean?
Stay at home leaflet
How to wear and make a cloth face covering
SUBSTANCE MISUSE (Recovery service)
STRESS/WELLBEING/MENTAL HEALTH:
Kooth.com – free online counselling and emotional health and wellbeing platform which is available to young people aged 11-18 across Bury
VOLUNTEERING:
NHS Volunteering
Volunteer to support COVID-19
VULNERABLE PEOPLE:
Bury Community Hubs – support for vulnerable people
Information other languages
SignHealth have translated information from Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care
Easy read hand washing guide
Aphasia Easy Read – not only useful for people with aphasia but anyone in our communities who might have difficulty engaging with the standard messages
Changes to advice and information
July 2020
The Government has put in place a number of measures to help return the country back to a ‘new normal’.
Changes to advice include:
- People can meet in groups of up to two households – indoors or outdoors – however people should remain socially distanced.
- A number of shops and businesses are now open, along with public places such as places of worship.
From 6 July those shielding will be able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing.
- Read more about the updated shielding advice.
You can find out more here – Government website.
Correct as of 24/06/2020
Updated advice on shielding
- From 6 July those shielding will be able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to 6 people including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing.
- Those who are shielding and live alone or are single parents with children will also be able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household of any size, following the same rules that are already in place for the wider population.
- From 1 August, the shielding advice will relax further, allowing those shielding to do even more, such as visit shops and places of worship, and return to work provided they take particular care to maintain social distancing and minimise contact with others outside their household.
New Government strategy: Stay alert – 13th May 2020
Loss or change in sense of smell or taste added to the list of official symptoms for coronavirus All individuals should self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia – 18th May 2020
Correct as of 18/03/2020
How long to stay at home if you have symptoms
Anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days.
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.
But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they’re at home for longer than 14 days.
Symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
Particular care to minimise their social contact has been recommended for:
- People over the age of 70
- Other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine (such as those with chronic diseases)
- Pregnant women
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. Government guidance advises they will not be testing people who are self-isolating with mild symptoms.
Read the NHS advice about staying at home.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Use the 111 coronavirus service
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Government guidance
To help prevent the spread of the virus, the Government have said (Monday 16 March):
- To work from home where possible
- To start social distancing. This means that all unneccessary contact with others is to be avoided, including going to pubs, bars and restaurants
What’s the risk of catching coronavirus in the UK?
The NHS and Public Health England are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public to high.
What’s the risk of coronavirus to travellers?
There are some countries and areas where there’s a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus. If you have arrived back to the UK from abroad, please follow the advice for returning travellers.
How coronavirus is spread
Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
Do:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Don’t:
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
How to self-isolate if you’re asked to
If there’s a chance you could have coronavirus, you should self-isolate.
This means you should:
- stay at home
- not go to work, school or public places
- not use public transport or taxis
- ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you
- try to avoid visitors to your home – it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food
You will need to do this for up to 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection.
Read more coronavirus self-isolation advice.
Further information
NHS England had produced a list of common questions about coronavirus, covering advice for you and your family, how it’s caught and spread, prevention, self-isolation, testing and treatment and foreign travel.
Other places for information:
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You’ll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
Looking for information about health and care?
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