When to self-isolate and what to do

Self-isolation is key to stopping the spread of the virus, by minimising your contact with other people you reduce the chance of passing it on.

It is enforceable by law – if you do not self-isolate when you need to, you could be fined up to £10,000.

Further guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus infection can be found at GOV.UK.

You must self-isolate if:

• You have symptoms of coronavirus (10 days from the start of symptoms)
• You have tested positive for coronavirus (10 days from the positive test results or the start of symptoms)
• You are waiting for the results of a coronavirus test (10 days from the start of symptoms)
• You live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus (10 days from the start of their symptoms)
• You live with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (10 days from the positive test results or the start of symptoms)
• You live with someone who is waiting for the results of a coronavirus test (10 days from the positive test results or the start of symptoms)
• You have been told to by contact tracers; or by your workplace or school (follow the guidance that you will have been given).

You must not leave your home for any reason, except in an emergency.

You must not:

• go to work, university, college or school – you must work or study from home (if you can)
• go shopping for any reason
• go outside to exercise
• visit family or friends
• use public transport, taxis or share a car

Try and isolate from people that you live with; this is especially important in houses where lots of people live together.

In order to further prevent the spread of the virus, you should make sure your house is thoroughly and regularly cleaned and wash towels and clothes regularly.

It’s a good idea to be prepared in case you have to self-isolate, for example by setting up online shopping or banking, or making sure you have friends or neighbours who can shop for you or take non-isolating children to and from school.

If you do not have friends and family nearby then visit our support for residents page to find out about help and support available.

You will need to re-arrange any pre-booked medical appointments and it’s a good idea to contact your child’s school to let them know.

There is lots of support available to you if you need to self-isolate. Find out more about how we can help you on our support for residents page, including information about the financial and mental wellbeing support. 

If you are unable to work from home speak to your employer about sick pay; if you cannot get sick pay from your employer, you might be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or another type of financial support. Find out more at GOV.UK.