Coronavirus: Simple guide to staying safe

28 September 2020

Three key instructions: Wash your hands. Wear face covering. Keep your distance.

Tighter restrictions have been brought in across the UK to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own powers over coronavirus rules and guidance, which may differ to government advice for England. But here's a reminder of the basic steps to keeping yourself and others safe.

Text reads: Wash hands for about 20 seconds with soap and hot water or use a sanitiser gel

Keep your distance from others - at least 2m if possible

Image shows woman wearing a face covering - and says they must be worn in enclosed spaces like shops or public transport

How to make your own face mask

Work from home or go back to work if safety measures are in place

Follow rules about meeting people indoors and outdoors

England: Local lockdown advice, external

Scotland: National advice for Scotland, external

Wales: Coronavirus advice for Wales, external

Northern Ireland: Coronavirus advice for Northern Ireland, external

Police can fine you if you don’t follow the rules

What should I do if I feel unwell?

If you have symptoms, seek a test

You may be sent a home testing kit or be tested at a drive-in site

If your symptoms are mild you'll be advised to stay indoors for 10 days.

Anyone you live with should stay at home for 14 days

Follow this link for more detailed advice for households with possible coronavirus cases, external

Banner image reading 'more about coronavirus'

A SIMPLE GUIDE: What are the symptoms?
NEW RESTRICTIONS: What are they?
LOOK-UP TOOL: Check cases in your area
MAPS AND CHARTS: Visual guide to the outbreak