For the latest government guidelines on social distancing, seeing friends and family, and visiting public venues, see the GOV.UK website.
NHS Covid-19 app
Protect yourself and your loved and download the NHS COVID-19 app.
NHS Test and Trace
The NHS Test and Trace service warns people who have had contact with someone who has coronavirus. Then they can make sure they don’t spread the virus.
This is how it works:
- Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by the NHS and asked who they have been in contact with recently. This will be the people they live with and anyone else they have been within 2 metres of for more than 15 minutes.
- The people they name will be notified and be expected to stay at home and self isolate, even if they don't have symptoms.
- If they do start feeling ill they can book a test or call 119.
- If they test positive, they will have to stay at home for 7 days or until their symptoms have passed.
Mask anxiety
We need to wear masks on public transport and shops. They are now part of our lives. They might protect both you and people near you from coronavirus, but they can feel weird.
If wearing a masks makes you feel like you can’t breathe properly or anxious and stressed about going out, here are some tips to keep you calm.
- Get comfortable with your mask - wear it at home for a while before you go out.
- Think about changing the style of mask - some fit close to the face, others are fitted more at the sides. Avoid ones that are tight on the nose. Masks that tie behind the head, not round the ears, can feel less tight.
- Breathe slowly - learn to breathe in a way that helps you stay calm. Use quality breaths, a four second inhale through the nose, six second exhale through the mouth, and a two second pause. Breathe longer and slower.
- Visualisation - remove the mask from your face by taking your mind somewhere else. If you focusing on the mask, it will affect you more. Be more aware of other things and pay attention to your surroundings and what you are doing rather than the mask
The Anxiety and Depression Association America has issued advice for people with anxiety on getting comfortable in your masks
Keep clear
Keep your distance and keep 2 metres away.
- You still need to avoid close contact with people you don’t live with. You don’t know who’s infected, even friends and family who live somewhere else.
- Coughs, sneezes and physical contact spread the virus. Less contact means less chance of the virus spreading.
- Staying inside reduces contact and also reduces the spread.
Keep clean
Wash your hands often - after going outside, eating food or using the toilet. Small things stop the virus spreading. Keeping clean is one of them.
Watch this video from the NHS on how to wash your hands properly.
Try not to touch your face too. If the virus gets on your hands, you don’t want to spread it to your face.
Keep warm
Follow these simple tips to keep warm and safe this winter:
- Wrap up warm - dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves and scarf
- Keep the cold out
- Don't use alcohol to keep warm
- Check your heating
- Maintain the temperature
- Have warming food and drinks
- Stay active
Get more information from the British Heart Foundation on how to keep the heat in this winter.
Keep well
It might seem scary or stupid to be doing all this stuff. Staying home, not seeing mates and family is tough. You need to keep mentally strong to keep it up.
Talk to people you live with if you’re scared, angry or don’t get it. If you can’t or don’t want to, talk by phone or online.
Stay connected outside your home. Chat on the phone, What’sApp, Instagram, Snapchat, or whatever. Use Google Hangouts, Zoom, FaceTime or other apps to see other faces.
Keep a routine - it’ll have to be a new one, but some things can stay normal. Wake up, eat meals and go to bed at the same times. Do normal inside stuff, but try new things as well.
Exercise everyday - walk, run, ride a bike, kick a ball against a wall.
Keep calm
It can be hard on the head staying inside. Give your brain a lift. If you’re worried or anxious, here's some help:
Coping with feelings of frustration and anger is an activities pack available to help you understand your triggers and learn how to cope in the real world.
ChatHealth is a text messaging service for young people living in Lambeth and Southwark, aged 11-19. Text for help on issues like bullying, self-harm or sexual health on 07507 332 150 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
Shout gives free, confidential support, 24/7 via text to anyone in crisis. Every texter is connected with a real-life human. Text SHOUT to 85258.
The Mix help with anything from mental health to money, homelessness to finding a job, break-ups to drugs. They have a free 24/7 crisis messenger text service for anyone 25 and under, on 85258. There’s also a listening and signposting helpline on 0808 808 4994 (everyday, 4pm-11pm) and a one-to-one online chat service.
Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform. You can use your mobile, tablet and desktop to get free, safe and private online advice for young people.
Anna Freud National Centre have useful information on Covid-19, including On My Mind, an A to Z of simple self-care activities from crafts to coding, written by young people for young people.
Young Minds offer advice for children and young people up to 25 and their carers. They have special advice for coronavirus, including things to do if you’re anxious, worried or stressed. Call 0808 802 5544.
Papyrus give support to young people thinking about suicide. Call their helpline on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays - 9am to 10pm, weekends and bank holidays - 2pm to 10pm).
Coronavirus advice in 60 languages, - government guidance by Doctors of the World in partnership with the British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice.