Spotlight have taken the liberty of going over the current NHS and government advice around the Corona Virus. We’ve looked at how you can avoid getting ill in the first place, what to do if you’re self-isolating and we’ve compiled the government employment and benefits advice as well. We’ll be updating this extensive resource as more information becomes available so please keep checking back.
QUICK OVERVIEW OF CONTENTS
COVID-19 Symptoms
What to do if you have these symptoms
General advice on how to avoid getting COVID-19
Identifying the most vulnerable groups
Work & Benefits related advice if you’re self-isolating
List of ‘essential’ shops and businesses allowed to stay open
Link to the governments “Guidance: Further businesses and premises to close” document
COVID-19 Symptoms:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
Update 1: The Australian government health website states that symptoms can also include sore throat, shortness of breath and fatigue. As some folks can carry the virus without showing any symptoms it’s probably wise to assume that even if you don’t have ‘all’ the symptoms, you could still be carrying the virus.
Update 9: The World Health Organisation website advises that you should stay at home even if you have milder symptoms, such as a headache and runny nose. It seems to suggest that mild cold-like symptoms could later develop into more severe symptoms like fever, coughing or difficulty breathing. It also advises that even if it’s not COVID-19, by staying home and avoiding contact with others, you’ll be reducing the risk of catching the virus as well.
Update 20: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising that you could also develop more serious symptom and should seek medical advice if you or someone you know.. a) have trouble breathing, b) have a persistent pain or pressure in the chest, c) become confused or cannot be aroused, or d) have bluish lips or face.
Update 22: The Mirror Newspaper reports on some additional symptoms for Coronavirus. This includes, loss of sense of smell and taste, loss of appetite, stomach ache, diarrhoea, sore eyes (i.e. itchiness and irritation, similar to hayfever or other allergic responses) and possible mental fatigue (or brain fogg). The latter has not been officially confirmed.
SPOTLIGHT NOTE: Many sources have been reporting that, in some cases, people may not exhibit any symptoms and could still be carrying the virus and passing it on to others. We also know that the COVID-19 virus has a 14 day incubation period so you won’t necessarily experience symptoms during that time anyway. Please don’t assume, therefore, that because you don’t have any symptoms that you don’t carry the virus and that you can’t pass it on to others. Far better to assume that every contact is potentially an opportunity for you to catch it or pass it on.
What to do if you have these symptoms:
- If you live alone, stay at home for 7 days as soon as you start showing symptoms.
- The incubation period of COVID-19 is 14 days but once you’ve started showing symptoms you will then need to stay home for 7 days. If you live with others, you should all stay at home for at least 14 days to see out the incubation period. However, if someone starts showing symptoms on day 13, for example, then they will need to stay isolated for a further 7 days (see PIC1 diagram below for examples)
- If you live with someone who is vulnerable (i.e. is 70 or over or has a long-term condition or is pregnant or has a weakened immune system) then try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days but if you have to stay together then try to keep away from each other as much as possible
- Cancel all routine face-to-face medical and dental appointment. In some cases you might be able to have an over the phone consultation instead so it’s worth checking this.
- Clean all objects and surfaces in regular use (handles, hand rails, table surfaces, remote controls, kettles, phones etc) using normal cleaning products.
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds using warm water. Use hand sanitiser gel if you can’t wash your hands.
- Use a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, bin the tissue and wash your hands.
- Keep hydrated. Drinks enough water so your urine is pale and clear.
- Take paracetamol for pain relief. A number of reports have indicated that Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories make the illness worse so it’s best to avoid taking these but the NHS advice is that if you’ve been prescribed ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) then do not stop taking them without first checking with your GP.
- Dispose of used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths in rubbish bags. Tie the bag securely and then place that bag inside another bag and tie that bag as well. Wait 3 days before putting it in your outside bin.
- At the moment there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to babies through breast feeding. It can be transmitted through close contact however. The current advice is to continue breast feeding because the benefits outweigh the risk of contamination, especially as the current information is that symptoms are a lot less severe in children than in adults. If you have any concerns then please consult with your midwife, health visitor or GP by telephone.
- If you’re feeding formula milk or expressed milk, make sure to sterilise the equipment carefully before each use. Do not share bottles or a breast pump with someone else.
- In the event you need further medical assistance and it’s not an emergency then use the online 111 service if that doesn’t help then call 111 and speak to an adviser. In the event you have a medical emergency call 999 but remember to tell the call handler that you or someone in your household may have the Corona virus.
- If you’re arranging for groceries, medicines or other items to be delivered to your home then instruct the driver to leave them outside the door and do not invite them into your home.
- Do not shake dirty laundry before placing it in the washing machine as this can make the virus airborne. If you don’t have a washing machine then collect all laundry together in a bag. Once your 7 day or 14 day confinement is over, wait a further 3 days (so 10 days and 17 days, respectively) before taking your laundry to the launderette.
Update 2: The Australian government health website states that if you have the symptoms then you should wear a mask to protect others.
Update 3: The self-isolation advice on the Australian government website states that if a member of your family is self-isolating in a separate room to the rest of the family (e.g. because they’re the only one showing symptoms at the moment) and you need to go into their room to clean then make sure you wear a mask and gloves before you enter the room. They also advise using alcohol hand rub before and after wearing gloves.
Update 8: The World Health Organisation website advises that although most people only exhibit minor symptoms, some people can have difficulty breathing and even develop pneumonia. People who get really sick need to be hospitalized. Spotlight advice: If you need medical assistance and have to call your GP or 999, remember to tell them in advance that you suspect you have the Corona virus.
PIC1 diagram:
For more advice on what to do if you’re self-isolating please visit…
General advice on how to avoid getting COVID-19
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds using warm water. Use hand sanitiser gel if you can’t wash your hands.
- Keep a distance of 2 metres (3 steps) from other people. Avoid small spaces that require close proximity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, lifts etc.
- Open windows in shared spaces
- Wipe any surfaces you might have touched (i.e. in a shared bathroom or cash machine etc)
- When washing dishes, use washing up liquid and warm water and ensure you dry everything thoroughly. Ideally use a dishwasher if you have one.
- Do not share a bed
- Do not share towels, including hand towels and tea towels.
Update 4: The Australian government health website states that you should make sure you’re up to date with your annual flu jab. It’s not a cure for COVID-19 but if you get the flu and then get the Corona virus as well, you could be extremely unwell.
Update 5: The Australian government health website also explains that there is currently no ‘herd immunity’ from the virus because it’s a completely new virus. The Reuters website explains further that ‘herd immunity’ occurs when either a large number of people have already had the disease, recovered from it and therefore built up an immunity to it or when people can be vaccinated against the disease but currently there is no vaccine for CORVID-19.
Update 6: The World Health Organisation website advises that face masks are only required if a) You’re already ill (as this will help to stop you from contaminating others) or b) if you live / work in close proximity with people who are suspected of having the COVID-19 virus. Wearing a mask, they explain, has its own risks so they’ve produced a help video on how to use and dispose of masks safely….
Update 7: The World Health Organisation website advises that you should avoid touching your face. Contaminated hands can transfer the virus through your eyes, nose and mouth.
UPDATE 21: Identifying the most vulnerable groups
As no two people are the same because we all generally have varying medical histories and as there’s just not enough data on COVID-19 at the moment, it’s right to take the position that everyone is potentially vulnerable and that even the healthiest among us can develop severe and life threatening symptoms. That said, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have listed the main categories of people considered to be at high risk of getting severe symptoms, based on the data they do have at the moment…
- The Over 65’s
- People who live in nursing homes and care facilities
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- People who have heart disease with complications
- People who are immuno-compromised including those getting cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, those with immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and those with prolonged usage of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
- People with severe obesity (body mass index [(BM]I)≥40)
- People with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease.
- They also advise that, although there isn’t enough data to confirm or dispel concerns, they would put pregnant women in a high risk category and advise that they be monitored because pregnant women are known to be at risk with severe viral illnesses anyway.
Work & Benefits related advice if you’re self-isolating
- If you need to self-isolate then you can initially self-certify that you are ill to your employer and do not need to provide them with a sick note for the first 7 days of illness. The government are currently looking into an alternative form of evidence that should hopefully be available through NHS online shortly.
- Statutory Sick Pay will be paid from day 1 instead of day 4 for those affected by coronavirus although it’s unclear how the government will determine who was or wasn’t affected by COVID-19 as they’re not testing people who are staying at home and we don’t really know what the “alternative form of evidence” will be that they government are working on. Spotlight advice: Using the NHS online service requires you to provide some personal details so that might be one way of registering that you’re isolating because you’ve got the symptoms but as no advice has been given on this by the government as yet, it can’t be guaranteed to be enough. If at all possible, try to arrange an over the phone or skype consultation with your GP and ask them to provide you with a sick note.
- If you’re on zero hours contracts then you’ll need to check with your employer if you’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. If not then you’ll need to apply for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- If you need to claim Universal Credit (UC) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) because of Coronavirus, you will not be required to produce a Fit Note.
- As of March 19th, if you’re on benefits (other than Universal Credit), you will not be required to attend Jobcentre appointments for three months.
- If you need to apply for Universal Credit because you’re self-isolating then you can get a month’s advance upfront without having to attend a Jobcentre.
- If you need to apply for ESA because you’re self-isolating, you won’t have to wait the usual 7 days for new claimants. ESA will be payable from day one.
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have also temporarily suspended all face-to-face assessments for health and disability-related benefits. If you already have an assessment appointment arranged, you do not need to attend and payments will continue as normal.
- If you’re on Universal Credit (UC) then contact your work coach immediately. You can do this by signing into your UC account or calling the UC helpline (Telephone: 0800 328 5644, Textphone: 0800 328 1344, Welsh language: 0800 328 1744) – Open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
- If you’re working fewer hours due to self-isolation, the amount of Universal Credit you receive will adjust as your earnings change.
- If you’re self-employed and claiming UC then the ‘Minimum Income Floor’ will not be applied during the time you’re off ill due to self-isolation. Normally, self-employed people need to be earning a ‘Minimum Income Floor’ before they qualify for UC payments and if you normally earn less than this then you’re expected to go out and find additional work. However, as this is not possible if you’re self-isolating, they’ve dropped the Minimum Income Floor for the time you’re in isolation.
Update 14: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s increasing the Universal Credit standard allowance, for the next 12 months, by £1,000 a year.
Update 15: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s increasing the Working Tax Credit basic element, for the next 12 months, by £1,000 a year.
Update 16: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s “suspending the minimum income floor for everyone affected by the economic impacts of coronavirus.” This, he says, will allow self-employed people to access Universal Credit at a rate equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay for employees.
Update 17: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s deferring self-assessment tax payments until January 2021.
Update 18: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed today (20th March 2020) that homeowners can get a three-month mortgage holiday if they need it. The Which? website has some useful information on how to apply for a mortgage holiday but they make it clear that his is simply a deferment and you will need to come to an arrangement with your lender to pay it back.
Update 19: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s boosting funds for Housing benefit and Universal credit so that renters can claim at least 30% of the market rent in their area.
Employers please note
If you have fewer than 250 employees, you will be able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay for employees unable to work because of Corona virus. This refund will be for up to 2 weeks per employee.
For more information on claiming benefits because of Corona Virus, please visit…
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
Update 10: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced additional measures to support people, jobs and businesses today (20th March 2020). The government’s ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ is accessible to small or large businesses, charitable or non-profit organisations. It allows employers to access grants to cover 80% of their staff wages (up to a total of £2,500 a month) from the HMRC, for at least 3 months and backdated o 1st March 2020, thus allowing them to retain staff while they’ve been forced to temporarily close down their business due to Coronavirus concerns.
Update 11: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s also extending the interest free period for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme from 6 to 12 months.
Update 12: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s deferring the next quarter of VAT payments to the end of June 2020. Any VAT owed will need to be paid by the end of the financial year instead.
Update 13: The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (20th March 2020) that he’s abolishing business rates until the end of the year for those in hospitality, retail and leisure and he’s providing cash grants of £25,000 for small business properties.
To check eligibility or for additional information on how to access grants and loans, please visit….
Update 23: List of ‘essential’ shops and businesses allowed to stay open as of 23rd March 2020
- Food delivery and takeaways
- Cafés or canteens at hospitals, care homes, schools, prisons, military bases and services providing food or drink to the homeless.
- Supermarkets
- Small food shops
- Health shops
- Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies)
- Petrol stations
- Bicycle shops
- Home and hardware shops
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Garages
- Car rentals
- Pet shops
- Corner shops
- Newsagents
- Post offices
- Banks
- Market stalls offering essentials such as groceries and food
- Some hotels, hostels, BnBs, campsites and boarding houses can provide interim abodes whilst the main residence is unavailable or to accommodate Key workers.
- Caravan parks/sites can only accommodate people who live their permanently or who are staying there as an interim abodes while their primary residence is not available.
- Facilities such as community and youth centres, for example, can be adapted to host essential voluntary or public services, such as food banks or homeless services.
- Places of worship can still undertake funerals, providing they follow the social distancing guidance and they can also remain open for solitary prayer. Live streaming of a service without an audience is also fine.
- While cinemas, theatres and concert halls are now closed to the public, they can be used to live stream performances by small groups, providing social distancing is observed.
- Also, according to the British Veterinary Association, VET practices can stay open but are required to reduce face-to-face contact immediately. They’ve been instructed to restrict face-to-face contact to emergency cases or for the fulfillment of urgent prescriptions or to maintain the food supply chain.
For a full list of all businesses that have been instructed to close, see Guidance: Further businesses and premises to close (published by Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government, 23rd March 2020)
