Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NHS across South Tyneside will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases, if the public follows Public Health England advice.

The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mean your patient experience is subject to change.

The Chief Medical Officer announced on Friday 13 March that the country is moving into the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus (Covid-19).

The new advice issued by the Chief Medical Officer is to stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

  • a high temperature
  • a new continuous cough
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

Do not go to a GP Surgery, pharmacy or a hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

  • you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
  • your condition gets worse
  • your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Stay At Home advice can be found here.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Information remains subject to regular change and updates. More information can be found on the NHS website here.

Ask for a test to check if you have coronavirus

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can ask for a test to check if you have the virus. This is called an antigen test.

Who can ask for a test

You can ask for a test:

  • for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
  • for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

This service is for people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The tests are not suitable for children under 5 years old.

If you’re asking for a test for someone else and the person is aged 13 or over, check they’re happy for you to ask for a test for them.

How do I ask for a test?

You can ask for a test online.

Apply for a coronavirus test on GOV.UK

 

LINKS – PATIENT INFORMATION

General NHS advice  click here

Pituitary/ adrenal insufficiency (including steroid sick day rules) click here

Underlying lung disease (British Lung Foundation)click here

Patients with Asthma click here

Patients with Diabetes click here.

Patients affected by Stroke click here

Pregnant women click here

Children/young people Type 1 diabetes click here

Patients with Heart/circulatory disease click here

Older people click here

Young people with anxiety click here

Adults with anxiety click here

Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis click here

Patients with cancer click here

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease click here

High risk patients include elderly & anyone normally eligible for a FLU JAB. This includes pregnancy, immune drug therapy & obese if BMI > 40 click here

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