It's likely you'll have heard the term "self-isolate" a fair bit over the last few weeks, as cases of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) have been reported across the UK. You may also have spotted people wearing surgical masks too, despite there being little evidence that they're beneficial.
The current government guidelines are advising the following, for three weeks (minimum). Members of the public can only leave their homes:
- To shop for basic necessities (including food or medicine) as infrequently as possible.
- For one form of exercise a day (which can be a run, a walk or a bike ride).
- To seek medical help.
- To travel to and from work, but only when "absolutely necessary" - everyone else should be working from home.
However, if you (or anybody you live with) are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, the NHS are advising that you self-isolate for 14 days. If you're still confused about what self-isolating involves – including whether or not it's okay to do things like hang out with your housemates or pop to the supermarket – we asked Dr Daniel Atkinson, Clinical Lead for online health service, Treated, to answer the most common questions.
Should I self-isolate because of coronavirus?
For coronavirus to be successfully contained, it relies on people taking self-isolation seriously. The NHS has set out some guidelines about what to do - and what not to do - if you end up in this position. Current advice from the government states that you should self-isolate if you – or somebody you live with – have a cough or a fever (or if told to by a medical professional for any other reason) for 14 days. Some people are voluntarily choosing to socially distance themselves, as encouraged by the government, which is a different thing to self-isolation (and is less restrictive).
"The measures in place are there to protect those most vulnerable to the virus," says Dr Atkinson, who has been a practicing GP for over fifteen years. "As a precautionary measure, the elderly and more vulnerable should consider staying at home, and getting other people to get their groceries and any medication they need. Ensure your cupboards at home have the things you'll need during this period."
So, if you are one of those who needs to self-isolate, here's what it actually involves:
Everyone's clicking on...
Do:
- Try to keep at least 2 metres (3 steps) from other people in your home, particularly older people or those with long-term health conditions
- Ask friends and family and delivery services to deliver things like food shopping and medicines – but avoid contact with them
- Sleep alone if possible
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
- Try to stay away from older people and those with long-term health conditions
- Drink plenty of water and take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to help with your symptoms
Don't:
- Invite visitors to your home or allow visitors to enter
- Go to work, school or public areas
- Use public transport like buses, trains, tubes or taxis
- Share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with other people in your home
How long should I self-isolate for if I have symptoms, such as a fever or a cough?
"Isolate yourself for seven days from when your symptoms start," says Dr Atkinson. "At the end of this period, if you are feeling better, or you no longer have a fever, you will be able to return to your normal routine." Of course if you've personally been advised otherwise by a medical professional, do follow those guidelines instead. If your symptoms persist beyond a week the NHS advise calling 111.
Can I go for a walk by myself if I'm self-isolating?
No, you should not leave the house or have any visitors to your home during a period of self-isolation.
Can I go to the supermarket if I don't stand near anybody for too long?
Again, as it is advised that you don’t leave home at all, sadly the supermarket is also a big no-no if you're self-isolating, says Dr Atkinson. "You should ask someone else to get the things that you need and bring them to you. When they deliver your groceries, they should leave them outside your door to avoid any unnecessary contact."
Can you be around your partner or housemates if you're self-isolating, or showing symptoms of coronavirus?
Sadly not. "You should stay away from your partner as much as possible and you should sleep alone," says Dr Atkinson. Same goes for housemates – no joint movie nights if any of you are showing signs such as a cough or fever, or are self-isolating.
Is it safe to order takeaway food if you're self-isolating?
"You can still order takeaway food, but you should be very careful when it comes to delivery," advises Dr Atkinson, who suggests paying by card where possible, to avoid having to hand over cash to the delivery person. "Avoid touching the delivery driver at all costs."
Can you answer a knock at the door if you're self-isolating?
Yes, you can open the door when someone knocks but – as you might imagine – it's best if you stay as far away from them as possible, to avoid spreading the virus. The NHS website says to stay at least 2 metres (or 3 steps) away from other people during a period of self-isolation.
Can you see friends who are also self-isolating?
No, unfortunately you will not be able to see your friends who are also in self-isolation, as you should not leave the house.
Is it safe to visit elderly relatives or people with previous health conditions, even if you have no symptoms?
Unfortunately, says Dr Atkinson, right now it's probably better that you don't visit older relatives, or those with health conditions that could see them classed as high risk to developing complications from the virus. "Even if you have no symptoms, or your symptoms are not very obvious, it's probably safest for everyone to avoid contact. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions [such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or those with compromised immune systems] are at higher risk when it comes to COVID-19, as they are more vulnerable."
Keep looking out for one another, guys.
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
