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Self-isolation support pack

Supporting you to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community

Thank you for self-isolating. By doing this you are helping to protect other people from COVID-19.

If you’ve been asked to self-isolate it is because you could be at risk of spreading the virus to others. If you are feeling well, it’s still important to self-isolate as you can still pass on the virus before you have symptoms. Please remember it is a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive or are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. You could be fined if you do not self-isolate.

We know self-isolating can be difficult, and it can be harder if you don’t know where to get support. This pack contains information about how and where to get help in Oxfordshire, making it as easy for you as possible.

The restrictions and guidance

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have COVID-19. This helps stop the virus spreading to other people.

When should I self-isolate?

Self-isolate immediately if:

  • you have any symptoms of COVID-19 
  • you’ve tested positive for COVID-19
  • someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
  • someone in your support bubble has symptoms and you’ve been in close contact with them since their symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started
  • someone in your support bubble tested positive and you’ve been in close contact with them since they had the test or in the 48 hours before their test
  • you’ve been told you’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app
  • you arrive in the UK from a country with a high COVID-19 risk.

Get tested immediately, either by booking a test or ordering a home kit, if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Symptoms include:

  • high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

What does self-isolation involve?

You must not leave your home if you’re self-isolating

  • Do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can.
  • Do not use public transport or taxis.
  • Do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online, by phone or ask someone to drop it to your home.
  • Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for those providing essential care.
  • Do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one.

How long do I need to self-isolate for?

It can take up to 10 days to develop symptoms after exposure – this is known as the incubation period – and this is the period of time you need to self-isolate, unless you develop symptoms at some point during the 10 days.

self isolation period

This is why it’s so important to self-isolate for the allocated time and to only book a test if you develop symptoms.

what to do if you develop symptoms

Keep self-isolating if you have any of these symptoms after 10 days:

  • a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery
  • a runny nose or sneezing
  • feeling or being sick
  • diarrhoea.

Only stop self-isolating when these symptoms have gone. If you have diarrhoea or you’re being sick, stay at home until 48 hours after they’ve stopped.

You can stop self-isolating after 10 days if either:

  • you do not have any symptoms
  • you just have a cough or changes to your sense of smell or taste – these can last for weeks after the infection has gone.

I’m isolating but what if I develop COVID-19 symptoms?

There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can often ease the symptoms at home until you recover:

  • get lots of rest
  • drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration
  • take paracetamol if you feel uncomfortable
  • avoid laying on your back if you have a cough.

If you’re feeling breathless, it can help to keep your room cool. Try turning the heating down or opening a window. Do not use a fan as it may spread the virus.

You could also try:

  • breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you’re gently blowing out a candle
  • sitting upright in a chair
  • relaxing your shoulders, so you’re not hunched
  • leaning forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair.

If you are concerned about your symptoms or feel breathless and it’s getting worse, get medical advice from the NHS 111 online COVID-19 service.

Help and support

Support to help you self-isolate

You may need help to self-isolate, from simple things like getting groceries to financial help if you cannot work from home. Contact your local council if you need help.

I need immediate financial support, what can I do?

You could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace support payment if you live in England and meet all the following five criteria:

  1. You’ve been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app.
  • You’ve responded to messages received from NHS Test and Trace and have provided any legally required information. You will have been given a contact tracing and advice service reference number by NHS Test and Trace, or by the app (it will be an eight digit code such as A1H4CHY5).
  • You’re employed or self-employed (those not working when told to self-isolate do not qualify for a payment).
  • You’re unable to work from home and will lose income as a result of self-isolating. (You must be in receipt of an income of less than £306 per week).
  • You’re currently receiving or are the partner of someone in the same household who is receiving, at least one of the following benefits:
    1. universal credit
    2. working tax credit
    3. income-based employment and support allowance
    4. income-based Jobseeker’s allowance
    5. income support
    6. housing benefit
    7. pension credit.

If you’re not on one of these benefits, you could be eligible for a £500 discretionary payment if all the following apply:

  • you meet all the other criteria listed above
  • you’re on a low income
  • you will face financial hardship as a result of self-isolating.

Find out more about the payments on the government’s website.

The payments are administered by district councils. To apply, visit your local council website:

What other financial support can I access?

Local Support Grant

You can get help with food, electricity and heating bills and other essential items by applying for a Local Support Grant

Oxfordshire councils and Citizens Advice services are working together to provide this support. Households with children can claim up to £350, while those without children can receive up to £175. The funding can be used to provide supermarket vouchers, cover costs for pre-payment meters or make sure that a heating or water bill is paid. If you have received a food voucher from a previous scheme, you may also be eligible to have one from this funding

You need to apply to the local council where you live. 

Local hardship grants may also be available in specific local areas and towns/parishes.

Community food providers and free school meals

There are also a number of community food providers on hand (such as food banks, community larders etc), including those supported by food and other essential supplies grants, to support those struggling. You can ask your local council about community food support in your area or visit the Good Food Oxford website.

For other groups and businesses providing food services near you visit Oxfordshire County Council’s website for more information.

If your child is eligible for free school meals and is required to stay at home to self-isolate, you are entitled to a food parcel or shopping vouchers. Contact your child’s school or college for further information.

Council tax and benefits

Councils also have the discretionary power to reduce council tax bills in light of the pandemic. Details can be found on your local council’s website:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published information for those who need to claim benefits during the COVID-19 crisis. More information can be found on the DWP website.

What other practical support is available?

Help with essentials

NHS volunteer responders can help with things like:

  • collecting shopping
  • collecting medicines and prescriptions
  • phone calls if you want to chat to someone.

More information can be found on the NHS volunteer responders website.  

These groups and services can help you with shopping, dog walking, prescription collections and much more:

Schools and colleges

Schools and colleges have plans in place to continue the education of children and young people required to self-isolate. Additional resources and information for parents and carers on schools and education during the pandemic can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

My mental health is suffering – where can I get help?

If you feel anxious about your finances, worried about your friends and family or angry and are struggling with day to day living you can contact your GP or visit Oxfordshire County Council’s website to find out what services are available to you.

Oxfordshire’s city and district councils also provide resources for those locally who may need mental health support:

Other help and support can be accessed online:

You can also call the NHS mental health helplines for adults and children:

01865 904997 / 904998

If you are having suicidal thoughts call 111 or 999, or if your life is in danger go to the nearest accident and emergency department.

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