Publication - Advice and guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test and Protect
Information and support for people who are asked to self-isolate because of COVID-19, including the Self-Isolation Support Grant (£500).
Summary
Test and Protect, Scotland’s approach to implementing the 'test, trace, isolate, support strategy', is a public health measure designed to break chains of transmission of COVID-19 in the community.
Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 are a new:
- continuous cough
- fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater)
- loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia)
Anyone with the symptoms of COVID-19 should go online to www.nhsinform.scot to book a test. If you cannot get online please call 0800 028 2816. You should self-isolate at home straight away along with other members of your household.
How to self-isolate
Self-isolation means you should remain at home and should not go to work, school, public areas or use public transport. You should not go out to buy food or other essentials. You must stay at home.
While you are self-isolating, you should:
- stay at least two metres (six feet, or three steps) away from other people in your home
- stay in a different room from other people in your home, ensuring it is well-ventilated
- sleep alone in a separate bed
- spend as little time as possible in shared areas (sitting room, kitchen, bathroom)
- avoid using your kitchen while others are present
- use a separate towel to dry your hands after you wash them
- clean your kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces throughout the house every day
You should always:
- wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if your hands aren’t visibly dirty
- catch your coughs or sneezes in a disposable tissue and put it in the bin, or catch them in the crook of your elbow
- avoid touching your face, and especially your mouth, nose or eyes
It will be helpful to think about who you could ask for help to make sure you can stay at home and self-isolate successfully, such as your family, friends or neighbours who could collect food or medicines for you. You can also often arrange to have repeat prescriptions delivered, and retailers can offer deliveries of food and other essentials.
You can find information about these services as well as other support on the Ready Scotland website.
The National Assistance Helpline is also available for people staying at home to stop the spread of coronavirus who cannot otherwise get the help they need.
If you need it, you can call the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000, or contact via textphone on 0800 111 4114.