Keeping yourself away from other people when you could be infectious is the most effective way of stopping coronavirus. If you’re told to self-isolate, it’s important to do so immediately and for the full 10 days. You shouldn’t leave home for any reason.
You’re not alone if you find doing this hard. Planning ahead, even before you have been told to self-isolate, can make things easier.
For more help and support with self-isolating please go to doyourbitgm.org
- Know your 10 days
Stay at home, away from other people immediately for 10 full days. Count your 10 days using the NHS Covid-19 app.
During this time you also need to try and reduce the chances of spreading any infection to the people you live with.
- Tell your work
Ask your employer about working from home or any sick leave or special leave options.
You might otherwise be able to get Statutory Sick Pay, a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment or other financial
help, including if you’re self-employed.
- Plan your money
Check you have money to buy what you need and pay your rent and bills. Call the companies and explain your
situation if not.
- Arrange food, medicines & essentials
Ask friends and family to safely drop-off anything you need. Many shops and pharmacies can help with deliveries too. Merton Community Hub are also providing information, advice and practical support for any residents who need to self-isolate.
- Continue your children’s education
If someone in your household has coronavirus or symptoms, any children you live with must also self-isolate. Contact their school to ask for work to do at home and any free school meals to be delivered.
If only you are self-isolating, your children should attend school as normal – but you will need to ask
someone else to do the school run for you.
- Get care for anyone who depends on you
If you’re a carer, ask friends or family to provide the care while you are self-isolating.
If no-one else can safely take this on, a local mutual aid group could help.
- Protect your mental health
Create a routine, keep busy, stay active, and speak to friends online or by phone. For silent,
confidential, 24/7 mental health support, text SHOUT 85258
- Keep moving at home
Staying active will boost your physical and mental health. Get 30 minutes a day without leaving home.
- Look after your pets
Check you have enough pet food and supplies. If required, ask someone else to care for your animal(s) while you are
self-isolating. You shouldn’t leave your home to walk your dog.
- Get any other support you need
Merton Community Hub are also providing information, advice and practical support for any residents who need to self-isolate.
If you, or someone you know, needs help please call us on 020 8685 2272, between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday or email: help@mertonconnected.co.uk