Keeping yourself and others safe
The new COVID-19 variant (known as Delta) spreads more easily than the other variants that were previously most common. To help stop the spread, you should:
Get both doses of the vaccine when you are offered it, and encourage others to do so as well
Participate in surge testing in your local area, whether you are vaccinated or not
Self-isolate immediately if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19
In the areas listed above, you should also take particular caution when meeting anyone outside your household or support bubble. Wherever possible, you should try to:
Meet outside rather than inside where possible
Keep 2 metres apart from people that you do not live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don’t live with
Minimise travel in and out of affected areas
You should also:
Get tested twice a week for free and isolate if you are positive
Continue to work from home if you can
Refer to local health advice for your area (linked above)
You should get tested for COVID-19. This includes:
Arranging to have a PCR test if you have symptoms of COVID-19
Getting regular rapid lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Arranging a testing or managed quarantine package if you plan to travel overseas.
You should self-isolate immediately if you have flu like symptomsor a positive test result for COVID-19. There is financial support available for citizens only. Residents may be allowed debt and payment relief.