Information on Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Correct as of 12 January 2021
For the most up to date information about Covid-19 be sure to check Gov.uk.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Today, the third national lockdown in England has become law and everyone needs to follow the Stay at Home rules.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the strict new curbs on Monday (4 January 2021) including the closure of schools for most children and the return of shielding for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
There has been a rapid rise in infections, hospital admissions and case rates. Hospitals are under more pressure from Covid – and the new strain – with patient numbers 40% higher than the first peak last year.
The lockdown – which in law can be in place until the end of March – means you must stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse (for example, for work or education purposes).
You can leave to
- Shop for basic necessities
- Go to work (if you cannot do so from home)
- Exercise once a day with your household, support bubble or one other person
- Get medical help
- Attend education or childcare (if eligible).
Schools and colleges are open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.
Return of Shielding
People who are at high risk of coronavirus and clinically extremely vulnerable have been told to shield again.
This means you should go out only for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.
Support bubbles expanded
From 2 December you can form a support bubble with another household if:
- You are the only adult in your household – any other members of the household having been under 18 on 12 June 2020 – or are an under-18-year-old living alone.
- You live with someone with a disability who requires continuous care and there is no other adult living in the household
- You live with a child who is under 1, or who was under 1 on 2 December 2020
- You live with a child who is under 5, or who was under 5 on 2 December 2020, with a disability.
Need help and support?
Peterborough City Council has a community hub in place to help you access, medicine, befriending services or assistance with things like dog walking. Click the link below to find out how to get help and also make contact with a support group in your community.
If you think you might have coronavirus
Symptoms
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A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
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Loss or change in sense of smell or taste
What to do if you have these symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you're not sure what to do
- you're worried about your symptoms
Call 111 if you cannot get help online. Do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.
How to self isolate if you or someone in your house has coronavirus
If you have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus (high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) you'll need to self-isolate for at least 10 days.
For more information about when to self isolate and what this means for families visit the Government website.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
Do:
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
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Put used tissues in the bin straight away.
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Wash your hands with soap and water often, and for 20 seconds – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
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Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
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Wear a face covering when you are on public transport, visiting hospital, out shopping, or are unable to maintain a 2 metre distance from people.
Don't:
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Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Getting tested for Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Read our guidance on coronavirus testing in Peterborough, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of test available.
Face masks - when to wear one
To find out which settings require you to wear a face mask click the link below.
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to.
Covid-19 vaccine
The NHS is working hard to roll out the Covid-19 vaccination programme - the biggest it has ever undertaken - at the same time as continuing to be there for everyone who needs care.
Find out more about the vaccine roll out and what you need to do to get protected.
Further information
NHS England had produced a list of common questions about coronavirus, covering advice for you and your family, how it's caught and spread, prevention, self-isolation, testing and treatment and foreign travel.
Other places for information:
