COVID-19 updates
Last updated: Thursday 13 October 2022
The government has published its plan for living with COVID-19. This includes:
- Getting vaccinated
- Letting in fresh air if you meet indoors
- Considering wearing a face covering in crowded or enclosed spaces
- Washing hands and following advice to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’
Face coverings and face masks can help reduce the chance of you spreading infection to others, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces, and may protect you from becoming infected by some respiratory viruses.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
There is guidance on steps you can take to protect other people if you are unwell with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19.
Vaccinations
Face coverings and face masks can help reduce the chance of you spreading infection to others, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces, and may protect you from becoming infected by some respiratory viruses.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
There is guidance on steps you can take to protect other people if you are unwell with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people with symptoms have at least one of these.
There is more information and advice on the NHS website.
People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19
Guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, or a positive test for COVID-19 is available on the government’s website.
Testing for COVID-19
Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests are available to purchase from participating pharmacies and other retail outlets. If you test result is positive, it is recommended that you stay at home, avoid contact with others and follow guidance on how to reduce the spread of infection for five full days, while you are most infectious.
Some people can still get free COVID-19 Rapid Lateral Flow tests from the NHS. Check if you are eligible on the NHS website.
Other support services
The Connect to Support Hampshire website features a directory of helpful guidance ranging from helplines to advice on keeping your home warm.
You can visit our support services webpage to find information on a number of local and national charities continuing to provide support on issues such as mental health, loneliness and domestic abuse.
Visit GOV.UK national data and insights on coronavirus – which includes a function to search for data by postcode.
Translated and accessible COVID-19 information
Information in British Sign language and other languages can be found on Hampshire County Council’s website