Coronavirus information

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a type of coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • A new continuous cough: this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual).
  • A high temperature: this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature).
  • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste: this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

For most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness.

What should I do if I have coronavirus symptoms?

  • If you start experiencing any of the symptoms: stay at home and do not leave your house for seven days.
  • If you live with someone who has symptoms: stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms.
  • Please do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

For more information use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.

Official advice about coronavirus

Government response

Information on coronavirus, including guidance, support, announcements and statistics. 

UK government response

Asthma and coronavirus advice

Asthma UK have all the latest information about coronavirus for people with asthma.

Asthma and coronavirus advice

NHS advice

NHS advice about coronavirus, including what the symptoms are, what to do if you think you have it and how to reduce your chances of getting it.

Official NHS overview

Advice for carers

The coronavirus outbreak is particularly worrying for carers. Carer UK has regularly updated information to help you ease your concerns.

Advice for carers

Your wellbeing

Many of us are struggling to maintain our mental wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic. Mind have put together tips to help yourself cope.

Coronavirus and your wellbeing

Combating loneliness

Campaign to End Loneliness have ideas for how we can all combat social isolation and look out for each other during the spread of the virus.

Combating loneliness

Easy Read guides

Mencap have put together Easy Read guides about coronavirus including guidance on social distancing, shielding and face coverings.

Easy read guides