COVID-19 is a new illness. Lots of people call it Coronavirus.
It can affect your lungs and your airways
Most people who get Coronavirus will not be very ill.
Some older people or people who already have health problems may become more ill.
You may feel worried about Coronavirus. This is normal. Talk about how you feel with people you can trust.
There are things everyone can do to help stop them and other people getting Coronavirus.
1) Keep your hands clean.
Wash your hands lots of times during the day:
use soap and water
use hand sanitiser (gel) if there is no soap and water when you are out
make sure you wash your hands when: • you come home • you visit other places • before you touch food
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth Always cough and sneeze into a tissue. Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
2) Be ready to stay at home
Stay at home and don’t meet up with other people for 7 days if you have Coronavirus symptoms. These are:
• a new cough, and you keep coughing or • a high temperature
After 7 days, if you feel better, you can start your usual routine again.
Stay at home and don’t meet up with other people for 14 days if you share your home with someone who has symptoms of Coronavirus.
3) Make a plan
Think about what you will do if you are asked to stay at home.
If you have support from family or paid carers you should make a plan with them.
4) Only use health services when it is important to do so.
If you:
• are staying at home and start to feel much more ill or • have stayed at home for 7 days and still have symptoms of Coronavirus
then:
• get advice from NHS 111 online • if you need to speak to someone call 111 • you should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital as you could pass Coronavirus to others
Only dial 999 or go to the Accident and Emergency if there is an emergency.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Easy read
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• Only get information about Coronavirus from places you can trust
These places are:
• The UK coronavirus (COVID-19) page • The NHS coronavirus (COVID19) page • NHS 111 online • If you are planning to travel abroad check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice page • Follow Public Health England or The Department of Health and Social Care on Twitter for regular updates