We know you’re sick of hearing about it but the virus does now seem to be ‘out in the public domain’ so here’s a no-nonsense, woffle-free list:

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don’t

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Seeking advice if you’re worried you’ve caught it!

• Call NHS 111 for advice.  (Don’t go to your surgery, pharmacy or hospital!)

If

• If you get a cough, a fever or shortness of breath,
• in the last 14 days you’ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see coronavirus advice for travellers
• you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus

How to self Isolate

Do

• stay at home
• separate yourself from other people – for example, try not to be in the same room as other people at the same time
• only allow people who live with you to stay
• stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened
• ask friends, family members or delivery services to carry out errands for you, such as getting groceries, medicines or other shopping
• make sure you tell delivery drivers to leave items outside for collection if you order online
• clean toilets and bathrooms regularly
• think about a bathroom rota if a separate bathroom is not available, with the isolated person using the facilities last, before thoroughly cleaning the bathroom themselves
• use separate towels from anyone else in the household
• wash crockery and utensils thoroughly with soap and water; dishwashers may be used to clean crockery and cutlery
• stay away from your pets – if unavoidable, wash your hands before and after contact

Don’t

• do not invite visitors to your home or allow visitors to enter
• do not go to work, school or public areas
• do not use public transport like buses, trains, tubes or taxis
• do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with other people in your home
• Living in shared accommodation
• If you live in shared accommodation (for example, university halls of residence):
  • stay in your room with the door closed, only using communal kitchens, bathrooms and living areas when necessary
  • avoid using a shared kitchen while others are using it. take your meals back to your room to eat
  • use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry your used crockery and cutlery; if this is not possible, wash them by hand using detergent and warm water and dry them thoroughly, using a separate tea towel.

You can find more advice on the government website here including advice re family, employers, etc