Coronavirus (COVID-19) information page
On this page you will find information on the latest situation, and links to further advice and information.
The latest information issued by the UK government can be accessed here including what you can and cannot do at the current time.
Changes announced February
The government has set out its "Living with Covid" plan.
From 24 February:
- people with Covid are not legally required to self-isolate
- however, guidance recommends that those who test positive stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days
- self-isolation support payments of £500 for those on low incomes have stopped
- routine contact tracing has ended - people in contact with someone with Covid will no longer be advised to self-isolate or take daily tests
- workers are not required to tell their employer if they need to self-isolate
- face coverings are not mandatory on Transport for London's tubes, trains or buses, but they are still "strongly encouraged"
From 1 April:
- PCR and lateral flow Covid tests will no longer be free for most people
- Covid passports will no longer be recommended, except for international travel
- employers will no longer have to consider Covid as a separate risk when working out how to keep employees safe
You will not be required to wear a face covering, including in communal areas of schools, but the government suggests you continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
You’ll no longer need to show your NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law.
Click here to access local information from Brighton and Hove City Council.
VACCINATIONS
Support for long-COVID
Please visit this dedicated NHS webpage
And also: Long COVID support group
Symptoms of coronavirus
Stay at home if you have:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- loss of smell or taste
- if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you'll need to stay at home. Read the advice about staying at home.
It has now been recognised that there are 21 commons symptoms of COVID-19.
- to test if you have symptoms, and to self isolate if you receive a positive result.
- you can still get the virus - and transmit it - after having been vaccinated although symptoms should be less severe, and transmittability should be lessen.
In addition to the main symptoms (loss of taste/smell, high temperature and a new and continuous cough)
- Unusual tiredness (fatigue)
- Sore throat
- Sudden confusion (delirium), especially in older people
- Skin rash
- Changes in the mouth or tongue (COVID tongue)
- Red and sore fingers or toes (COVID fingers/toes)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Muscle pains
- Hoarse voice
- Diarrhoea
- Skipping meals
- Abdominal pains
- Runny nose
Testing for coronavirus
Advice from Brighton and Hove Council is available here.
Our local hospitals
For up to date information on our local hospitals and Trusts please click the links below. Please note visitor restrictions are now in operation across all hospital sites and surgical masks must continue to be worn.
Royal Sussex County Hospital - click here. A number of appointments are now being conducted online or over the phone, whilst others are being postponed.
Information from Brighton and Hove City Council
Updated information is being issued by Brighton & Hove Council. Information is available in British Sign Language.
Vulnerable people can get additional COVID-19 related support including emergency food bank referrals, shopping and medicine collection from the community advice and support hub.
- If you, or someone you know needs support to get essential supplies like food or medication and you don't have family, friends or a support/care worker to help you, go to: new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/coronavirushel
- If you have no way of getting online and no one to help you, call 01273 293117, and press option 2 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm)
Information in accessible formats
- Beyond Words is providing free picture stories and illustrated guides to support people with learning disabilities and autism through the coronavirus pandemic
- Resources from Learning Disability England
- Public Health England stay at home guidance, translated and in easy read
- NHS guidelines translated into up to 50 languages by Doctors of the World and find video advice here
- The NHS have also created easy read posters like this so people know when and how to get a test for coronavirus.
- Going for a virus test
- YouTube – having a swab test, wearing a face mask, how the shops are different and explaining the new normal from SABNHS Trust
- Brighton and Hove Specialist Community Disability Service has compiled information on wellbeing for people with learning disabilities
- Photosymbols - Easy read Coronavirus posters
- Down’s Syndrome Association - Support and information for individuals and families: Click here to visit our coronavirus hub
Sign language
- Signhealth is providing a video of summaries of key coronavirus guidance in BSL
- Signhealth advice for testing
- Information has produced by Sussex Interpreting Services
- To access the NHS 111 BSL online services click here
For people with aphasia
- Information produced by Speakeasy is available here
Different languages
Additional information
- Ageing Well services- including a directory specifically with supermarket opening times and dedicated shopping times for older people, carers, vulnerable people and NHS workers http://ageingwellbh.org/
- Support for people experiencing homelessness (Groundswell)
- Guidance for carers (Carers UK)
- Supporting yourself and your team's wellbeing (Mind)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) and HIV
- Story book to help explain Covid-19 to children and young people
- The World Health Organisation has produced a Myth Busting guide about the virus which you can read here.
