Collection

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance

Find guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) for health and social care settings, other non-clinical settings, and for the general public.

Updates to this page

Published 3 March 2020
Last updated 16 February 2024 + show all updates
  1. Replaced 'COVID-19: outbreaks in prisons, refuges and other higher-risk accommodation settings' with 'COVID-19: outbreaks in higher-risk communal accommodation settings' because prison guidance is now stored elsewhere

  2. Added COVID-19: outbreaks in prisons, refuges and other higher-risk accommodation settings.

  3. Added COVID-19 testing in homelessness, domestic abuse refuge and respite room settings

  4. Added Reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace.

  5. Added 'People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19', 'Living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19' and 'COVID-19: managing healthcare staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection'.

  6. Added COVID-19: people with COVID-19 and their contacts.

  7. Added Investigation and management of suspected SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.

  8. Added 'COVID-19: ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus' and amended household isolation to 10 days.

  9. Added 'SARS-CoV-2 VOC: investigating and managing individuals with a possible or confirmed case'.

  10. Added 'How to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)'.

  11. Added 'COVID-19: rapid point of care (near-person) testing for service providers'.

  12. Added 'COVID-19: investigation and management of travellers returning from Denmark and their household contacts'.

  13. Added 'COVID-19: reducing transmission - what you can do to help'.

  14. Updated to reflect changes to self-isolation period and face coverings regulations.

  15. Updated general guidance.

  16. Added guidance for contacts of people with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person.

  17. Updated information on symptoms.

  18. Added link to SignHealth website.

  19. Added 'COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care'.

  20. Added guidance for taking swab samples.

  21. Added COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic.

  22. Added 'How to work safely in care homes'.

  23. Added guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol.

  24. Added Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes.

  25. Added COVID-19: Guidance for stepdown of infection control precautions within hospitals and discharging COVID-19 patients from hospital to home settings

  26. Added guidance for care of the deceased.

  27. Added guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing, and guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

  28. Added guidance for food businesses.

  29. Added 'Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable persons from COVID-19.'

  30. Added link to easy-read guide.

  31. Added advice for the freight transport industry.

  32. Added guidance for mass gatherings.

  33. Added COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people.

  34. Added guidance on 'Prisons and other prescribed places of detention', 'Services for people experiencing rough sleeping', and 'Shipping and sea ports'.

  35. Added COVID-19: guidance for healthcare providers who have diagnosed a case within their facility.

  36. Added COVID-19: residential care, supported living and home care guidance.

  37. Information on symptoms updated.

  38. Added COVID-19: guidance for sampling and for diagnostic laboratories.

  39. Added COVID-19: stay at home guidance.

  40. First published.