What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive
Date Added: 27/04/2021
It is important that we all take steps to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the community to save lives and protect the NHS.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have received a positive COVID-19 test result you must stay at home and self-isolate.
-
Book a PCR test if you have not already had one.
-
Stay at home while you are waiting for a home self-sampling kit, a test site appointment or a test result.
-
If you need to leave your home to get to a test site, observe strict social distancing advice and return immediately afterwards.
Self-isolation is one of the most important things we can do to help stop the spread of the virus and protect our friends and family, our community and the NHS
Keep others safe
-
Stay as far away from other members of your household as possible, especially if they are clinically extremely vulnerable.
-
Wherever possible, avoid using shared spaces such as kitchens and other living areas while others are present and take your meals back to your room to eat.
-
Wear a face covering or a surgical mask when spending time in shared areas inside your home.
-
Take exercise within your home, garden or private outdoor space. Follow the general advice to reduce the spread of the infection within your household.
By staying at home, you are helping to protect your friends and family, other people in your community and the NHS.
Help if you are self-isolating
You could get financial support if you:
-
are in work on a low income and have to self-isolate
-
have to stay at home to care for a child/young person whilst they self-isolate
You may be able to claim a £500 lump sum payment if you cannot work from home during the isolation period.
This payment aims to help make up for any lost income you may face by having to stay at home.
Who can get it?
If you or a child you have to stay home to look after have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app you may be eligible. Find out more
Discretionary support payments
If you do not qualify you may still get a discretionary support payment - find out more here
Apply online for a support payment
You can also get a range of other support, including help with shopping and collecting medicines. Find out more on our website.
Get a rapid test if you don't have symptoms
Everyone without symptoms can now get a free, rapid COVID-19 test. You can get a test and collect test kits to use at home from our test sites in Biggleswade, Flitwick, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, from local pharmacies or online. Find out more here.
COVID-19 useful information
Full information is available on our website.
Share this information
We need your help to share this information. Click the share now button below to share on your social media and WhatsApp groups.
Share now