Learn when you must self-isolate and how to protect others from infection inside and outside of your home.
By law, you must self-isolate immediately if:
Stay at home even if you feel well. Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear.
How long you need to self-isolate for depends on your circumstances.
If you have symptoms or have tested positive, all members of your household must self-isolate.
Find out how to avoid spreading coronavirus to people you live with on the NHS website.
If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 your household does not need to self-isolate with you. However, they must take extra care to:
Your child may be told by their school or college to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
View our easy read guide for schoolchildren to find out how protect others from infection.
If you have to stay at home but feel well enough to work, ask your employer if you can work from home. If you can work from home, you will not need an isolation note.
If you cannot work, find out how to get an isolation note on the NHS website.
If you need to self-isolate and you’re on a low income, are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result, you may be able to claim a payment of £500.
Find out if you’re eligible for a Test and Trace support payment.
If you are self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important to look after your mental health and stay fit and healthy too.