The COVID-19 situation is rapidly changing each day and we want to point you to the most up-to-date guidance which can be found on the Public Health website: 

www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

Advice for medical professionals can be found at: 

www.gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus

For information on guidance for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 infection in pregnancy see: 

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-researchservices/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/

Please make sure you stay at home and inform First Choice if you have either of the following symptoms;

  • A high temperature (fever) – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back or a thermometer reads 37.8 degrees C or higher
  • A new, continuous cough – this means you’ve recently started coughing repeatedly

MEDICAL ADVICE

  • Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital unless you have been told to do so
  • Phone NHS 111 if you need medical advice;
  • You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home;
  • Phone your GP if you; are very unwell or have a health condition that means you are usually called for the annual flu jab, or have problems with your immune system;
  • If you have symptoms other than fever or cough, they could be caused by another illness. If you feel that you need advice from a GP, please phone them.

TESTING

  • Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.
  • If you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days. After seven days you can return to normal activities as long as you do not have a high temperature (fever)
  • If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms.

HOME ISOLATION

  • Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home
  • Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home if possible
  • Sleep alone, if possible
  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water;
  • If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days
  • If you have to stay at home with other people, try to keep away from each other as much as possible

PREVENTING SPREAD

  • Like seasonal flu, the same public health advice applies for COVID-19 (Coronavirus): if you cough or sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, throw it away carefully after use, and wash your hands.
  • The best way to prevent the spread of infections, including coronavirus, is good personal hygiene. This means washing your hands regularly using soap and water and drying them with paper towels.
  • If you have any work related query or are unsure about your work with First Choice please call your local office.

Please note that First Choice Offices currently remain open but we ask you only to come to an office if it is essential to do so. If your business can be managed via telephone please call instead of visiting at this time.