Central Bedfordshire Council: Self-isolation and why it is so important
Date Added: 26/02/2021
Don’t be a spreader, stay at home and isolate
If you need to self-isolate, you must do so for the full allocated time. You may not test positive or show symptoms straight away, but you could still be infectious and spread the virus to others as it can take the full 10 days to develop the symptoms.
Don’t be a spreader, stay at home.
Who should isolate and how long for?
You should self-isolate if:
- you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
- you have had a positive test for coronavirus
- you live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
- someone in your support bubble (e.g. at school or work) has symptoms or tested positive
- you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, the NHS COVID-19 app or the Local Contact Tracing Team
How long you have to isolate for depends on your situation. You can read more on the NHS website.
What does self-isolation mean?
Self-isolation means just that too. You must not leave your house.
- do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
- do not go on public transport or use taxis
- do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
- do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
- do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one
Support to self-isolate
Help and advice for anyone who needs support to self-isolate is available on the council website.
Get a test
If you have no symptoms of Covid-19 and you live or work in central Bedfordshire in a customer facing role, a free rapid test is now available. No need to book an appointment. Just turn up. Click here for further information.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19, book a free test on the NHS website or by calling 119.
Anyone in your support bubble must also stay at home.