Coronavirus response efforts have been hampered by various gaps in knowledge, some of which persist. Most coronavirus testing, for example, focuses on people with symptoms, so the data and subsequent scale of asymptomatic cases is scant. Even when people do show symptoms, it can be hard to know whether they are related to COVID-19.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, UK public health advice says to:
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.
A support bubble is where someone who lives alone (or just with their children) can meet people from one other household.
You should also wash your hands before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and after handling anything that’s come from outside your home, the health body says.
“If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60 percent alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry,” it adds.
When out and about, wear something that covers your nose and mouth in places where it’s hard to stay away from other people, advises the NHS.
There are some places where you must wear a face covering, such as:
- On public transport
- In shops
- When you go to hospital appointments or visit someone in hospital