Guidelines for Self-Isolation
The majority of people infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) recover within a few weeks. You may be able to care for yourself at home while recovering.
Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to check on you while you're sick. Set up a regular call or talk through a doorway (rather than face to face) so they can check in on you.
Who needs to quarantine?
People who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, excluding those who have had COVID-19 in the last three months or who are fully vaccinated.
People who tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous three months and recovered do not need to be quarantined or tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
If no other cause of their symptoms has been identified, people who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again.
People who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are exempt from quarantine if they have been fully immunized against the disease and show no symptoms.
Treating a high temperature
If you have a fever -
- Get plenty of rest
- Consume plenty of fluids (water is best) to prevent dehydration – Drink enough water to make your pee light yellow and clear.
- If you are feeling uneasy, take paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Cough treatment
It's best to avoid lying on your back if you have a cough. Instead, lie on your side or sit up straight.
A teaspoon of honey can help relieve a cough.
If this does not help, you could seek advice from a pharmacist about cough treatments.
Do not visit a pharmacy. If you or someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms, you must all remain at home. Instead, try calling or contacting the pharmacy online.
If you're feeling breathless
- It can help to keep your room cool if you're out of breath.
- Try turning down the heat or opening a window. A fan should not be used because it may spread the virus.
- Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together as if gently blowing out a candle, while sitting upright in a chair, relaxing your shoulders so you're not hunched and slightly leaning forward – Put your hands on your knees or something stable, such as a chair, to help you. If you're out of breath, don't panic. This may aggravate the situation.
When to get medical help
Stay at home and continue to monitor your blood oxygen level on a regular basis. | |
Check your blood oxygen level again in an hour – if it's still 93 or 94 | |
Check your blood oxygen level again right away; if it's still 92 or lower, go to A&E |
Tips
- Stay in one room as much as possible and close the door; avoid using shared spaces (such as the kitchen) at the same time as other people – If you eat your meals in your room, use a separate bathroom; otherwise, use the bathroom after everyone else and clean it each time you use it, such as by wiping the surfaces you've touched.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer gel.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
- Put used tissues in the trash as soon as possible, and then wash your hands.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces (such as door handles, kettles, and phones) with your regular cleaning products.
- Consider wearing a face mask when in public places.
- As much as possible, keep the windows in your room and shared spaces open.