- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you have any of these symptoms. Stay at home (self-isolate) and get a test.
You must stay at home (self-isolate) and get a test if you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The main symptoms are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
While you’re self-isolating, you and anyone you live with must not leave your home.
- Do not go to work, school or public places.
- Do not go on public transport or use taxis.
- Do not go out to get food and medicine. Order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home.
- Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family (except for people providing essential care).
- Do not go out to exercise. Exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one.
If you have symptoms or you test positive (you have coronavirus), you’ll usually need to self-isolate for at least 7 days.
If you live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive, you’ll usually need to self-isolate for 14 days. This is because it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.
Get a test to check for coronavirus (COVID-19) if you have any of the main symptoms.
The main symptoms are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
You can ask for a test:
- for yourself, if you have symptoms
- for someone you live with, if they have symptoms
Ask for a test as soon as you get symptoms. The test needs to be done in the first 5 days of symptoms starting.
You can also sometimes get a test if you do not have symptoms. For example, if you live in an area with an outbreak or you’ve been told to have a test before you go into hospital.
The test usually involves wiping a long cotton bud (swab) inside your nose and at the back of your throat.
You can get a test on the NHS website. Go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. Call 119 to get a test if you do not have internet access.
You may be able to choose between going to a drive-through or walk-through test site, or getting a home test kit.
There are things you can do to treat mild symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) while you’re staying at home (self-isolating).
If you have a high temperature:
- get lots of rest
- drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable
If you have a cough:
- avoid lying on your back – lie on your side or sit upright instead
- try having a teaspoon of honey – but do not give honey to babies under 12 months
If you feel breathless:
- keep your room cool by turning the heating down or opening a window – do not use a fan as it may spread the virus
- sit upright in a chair and relax your shoulders
- try breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you’re gently blowing out a candle
- To stop coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading:
- try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with or anyone not in your support bubble
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- if you can, wear something that covers your nose and mouth when it’s hard to stay away from people, such as in shops or on public transport
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Follow the government’s social distancing guidance about what you can and cannot do outside your home.
If Your Child Is Unwell
Please follow the advice in the leaflet-Parents Guide to COVID
Contact the GP Surgery/111 if still concerned and contact 999/your local Emergency Department if you are concerned your child is extremely unwell.
Medical Evidence For Employers
If you need an an Official isolation note if you need time off work due to COVID-19, click here and complete the online questionnaire at NHS 111
If you need additional medical evidence for your employer please download the Grove Medical Centre COVID 19 Medical Certificate below. You can complete this and send this to your employer:
Children’s Guide To Covid-19
Download the following- Child Friendly Explanation of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Vulnerable and need support? Community help is available
There are a number of local initiatives designed to help and support people during this national emergency. You can self-refer to access this support or be referred by family or friends. If you are struggling or need any more support, please click here for more information on how to access this support.
Bereavement Support
We understand that some of our patients have lost people important to them during these difficult times. We want to offer our sincere condolences. We are here to help. There are services available to support you-click here. You can also contact the Surgery to book a telephone or video appointment with one of the Doctors.
For more information on the COVID-19 outbreak please go to
Public Health England Covid 19 website for the latest information
For COVID-19 information in another language please click here
You can also select the translate tab at the bottom left handside of this web page.
