During self-isolation in this COVID-19 period, you would remain at home because you may have contracted the coronavirus to prevent its spread. Self-isolation helps to prevent the transmission of the virus to other persons. Self-isolation differs from social distancing and shielding. Social distancing involves avoiding close contact with others while shielding is for people who have a high risk of getting sick from a coronavirus infection. If you test positive for the coronavirus, you are required by law to self-isolate. You also need to self-isolate if your local authority asks you for contact tracing. If you fail to self-isolate under these circumstances, you may need to pay a fine.

When is the right time to self-isolate?

• It would be best if you immediately self-isolate under the following circumstances.
• You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as change or loss of taste or smell, cough, or high temperature
• You return to the UK from a high-risk country
• You live with a coronavirus positive patient
• Someone tested positive in your support or is experiencing symptoms
• You tested positive for COVID-19
• The NHS Test and Trace asks you to self-isolate

If you think you had contact with an infected person but do not show symptoms of the coronavirus, you may need to self-isolate and continue to follow social distancing advice.

How to self-isolate

If you are self-isolating, you are supposed to remain at home. Here are some things you shouldn’t do while on self-isolation.

• Do not use public transports or taxis
• Do not exercise outdoor. If you must exercise, stay in your garden if you have one or inside your house
• Do not go to school, work, or a public place
• Do not entertain visitors at home, including your family members and friends
• Do not go outdoor to buy food, instead order food with your phone or online or get someone to bring food home to you

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When you should get your COVID test

You should get a private COVID test in London as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of coronavirus. These symptoms include:

• Continuous cough
• Change or loss of smell or taste
• High temperature

Endeavor to get your test within the first eight days of developing the symptoms. You may not need to perform a COVID test if you do not show symptoms of an infection or if your symptoms are different.

Inform your close contacts if you show symptoms of COVID-19

• If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, you may need to inform those you had close contact with within the last 48 hours.
• These persons may not need to self-isolate except the NHS Test and Trace asks them to. However, they need to take extra precautions while observing social distancing and wash their hands often.
• As soon as they experience the coronavirus symptoms, they need to self-isolate.

Duration of self-isolation

If you tested positive for COVID-19 or experienced its symptoms, you need to isolate yourself for about ten days.

• You may have to self-isolate for 14 days under the following circumstances.
• You live with someone that tested positive or has symptoms
• You were to isolate yourself by the NHS Test and Trace
• A member of your bubble group tested positive or has symptoms

Getting support and help while self-isolating

If you are at home because you need to self-isolate, you can get help from the NHS volunteers to carry out your daily tasks like getting your medicine and food. You might also be able to request sick pay and other financial supports for not being able to work. Ensure you get tested if you notice symptoms of the coronavirus and observe all the safety measures put in place by your local authorities.