Coronavirus (COVID-19) and self-isolation
Guidance for residents
Important government restrictions
From 24th March 2022, the UK government removed the requirement to self-isolate and has issued new guidance for living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
When to stay at home
As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions that the UK Government recommends can be taken to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others.
Most people can no longer access free testing for COVID-19. If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections include:
- continuous cough
- high temperature, fever or chills
- loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
- muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
- not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
- sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick
You can find information about these symptoms and how to treat them by visiting the NHS website.
What to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, including a positive COVID-19 test:
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people
If you do have any of the symptoms of a respiratory infection or have a positive COVID-19 test result, Government guidance is to try and stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
- To keep everyone safe, there are some basic recommendations, in line with Government guidance, to reduce the spread of infection in shared accommodation: Limit close contact with others. Spend as little time as possible in communal areas.
- Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and shared rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Get help where possible from those you live with to avoid unnecessary contact. Advise anyone that does need to come into your home that you have symptoms, so they can take precautions to protect themselves such as wearing a face covering, keeping their distance if they can, and washing their hands regularly.
- Use a face covering if you need to spend time in shared spaces.
- Keep rooms well ventilated.
- Catch coughs and sneezes in disposable tissues and put them straight in the bin.
We recommend you tell your flatmates/neighbours that you are self-isolating so that you have the support you need, and everyone feels safe and respected in their home.
If you leave your home
If you leave your home while you have symptoms of a respiratory infection or a positive COVID-19 test, government guidance recommends tasking the following actions to reduce the chance of passing infection to others:
- wearing a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
- avoiding crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
- taking any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
- covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face
How iQ can support you
To help support you during your stay at iQ you can tell us if you have any of these symptoms and are staying at home via the iQ App. Just click on self-isolation on the updates section.
iQ staff can support you with:
- collection of parcels
- receiving grocery shopping
- periodically taking out refuse
- emergency repairs and maintenance
We still want to keep things social. iQ has a number of virtual events, and clubs for you to enjoy and keep you connected while you are self-isolating. Head over to iQ life to find out about all the great things that you can be part of.
If you are self-isolating, you will still need to evacuate the building in an emergency (such as fire alarm) including any drills. We recommend that you wear a face covering and physically distance yourself from others wherever possible.
Scan the QR code to download the iQ app
On downloading the app you will be asked to log in. Please enter your email address and a password of your choice.
You will then be sent an email with a validation code. You need to enter this before you log in for the first time.
Or get the app here
If you need any mental health support
SHOUT is a free, confidential, 24/7 support text line. The service is confidential and can be accessed anywhere, at any time. Simply text “SHOUT” to 85258 to have a conversation with one of their trained volunteers.
Travel and self-isolation
There is no longer any Government restrictions in place for travel and entry into the UK (England, Scotland and Wales).
If you are travelling internationally, please check each country’s foreign travel advice.
Getting a test
Free testing for COVID-19 for the general public from the NHS has ended for people in England. If you still want to get tested and you're not eligible for a free NHS test, you must pay for a COVID-19 test yourself. You can buy a COVID-19 test from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.
You can find out more about what you can do instead of taking a COVID-19 test, or if you’re eligible for a free NHS test here.
If you live in Scotland, you can find out how to get a test here.
If you live in Wales, free NHS lateral flow tests (LFTs) are no longer available for the general public to access if you do not have symptoms. Eligibility for testing can be found here.
