New guidance was issued by the Government relating to the outbreak and how to deal with it :
Stay at home: guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
Key messages
• if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
• this action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious.
• plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
• ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
• stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible.
• sleep alone, if that is possible.
• wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water.
• stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible.
• you do not need to call NHS111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online:
https://111.nhs.uk/. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
Why has the advice on self-isolation changed from 14 days to 7 days
The 14 day period is for those who have had exposure to a confirmed case but have not shown symptoms. The 14 days represents the potential incubation period (the time it takes for symptoms to show if you have been infected).
Most people will no longer be likely to transmit the virus 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
Ending self-isolation
You should remain at home until 7 days after the onset of your symptoms. After 7 days, if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you can return to your normal routine. If you have not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, you should contact NHS 111 online at
https://111.nhs.uk/ If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.