Hertfordshire’s top doctors team up to provide COVID-19 advice

Hertfordshire’s lead GPs - Dr Prag Moodley and Dr Nicolas Small - have teamed up to provide answers for some common dilemmas facing people concerned about COVID-19.

Subjects tackled include advice on how to tell the difference between the symptoms of a cold and COVID-19, what to do if you can’t get a test, and sources of support and help if you have symptoms or need to self-isolate.

Dr Nicolas Small, the lead GP for Herts Valleys CCG, said: “We know that people want to do the right thing to protect their own families and help keep workplaces, businesses, schools and nurseries open for everyone.

"Problems with getting a test have been well publicised and although more lab capacity is coming this will take a few weeks. To help the public, we have brought together some practical advice.”

Dr Prag Moodley, the lead GP for East and North Hertfordshire CCG, added: “As the father of school-aged children and a GP looking after elderly and vulnerable patients, I understand the anxiety that the growing number of coronavirus cases is causing.

"We hope that these questions and answers can give some clarity to anyone who is worried or confused.”

The comprehensive, easy to read information will appear on the websites of local health organisations, be promoted on social media and will be shared with organisations across the county. The advice will be updated as required.

Here are some of the questions the doctors answered:

How can I protect myself from the virus?

The best ways we know to protect ourselves are by; washing your hands regularly or using sanitiser if there’s no soap and water, keeping your distance from people whenever possible, wearing a face covering where required or advised, and being alert to potential coronavirus symptoms in ourselves and others.

How can I tell if I have coronavirus or a cold?

If you are not sure whether you or your child’s symptoms suggest that they have coronavirus or an everyday cough or cold, you can consult this online NHS symptom checker, which has been designed to help you to tell the difference. Children often pick up colds and bugs after returning to school, but a runny nose or sore throat are not associated with COVID-19.

I think I need a coronavirus test. How can I get one?

If you have any of the coronavirus symptoms, try to arrange a test straight away. If you can access the internet, go to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. Do not try to book a test if you haven’t got symptoms. Tests are only for those with symptoms and you would be making it harder for people with symptoms to get the test they need.

What if I can’t get online?

If you can’t get online, or have trouble using websites, you can try the telephone test booking number, which is 119. However, the telephone service doesn’t have access to any more tests than the online booking system. If there are no appointments online, calling 119 will not help.

I have symptoms but I haven’t been able to get a test. What should I do?

We know that many people all over the country are having problems booking a test and we understand how frustrating this is. Do keep trying, as new testing slots are added regularly during the day.

I haven’t been able to get a COVID test, but I have symptoms. What should I do?

If you have COVID symptoms but haven’t been able to get a test within 5 days of your symptoms developing, you should act as if you have the virus and follow the self-isolation guidance. You must not leave your home for 10 days and anyone in your household or support bubble who hasn’t got symptoms must stay at home too, for 14 days. This is in case they go on to develop symptoms as well. If people in your household go on to develop symptoms, they should try to get a test too. Detailed government advice on staying at home can be found here.

My child doesn’t have symptoms but has been sent home from school because someone in their school ‘bubble’ has coronavirus. What should I do?

Our schools, colleges and early years settings are working hard to try to ensure that pupils and staff are protected and to stop the virus spreading. This means that children in the same group, class, or year as someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus are being asked to self-isolate, even if they don’t have symptoms. Although this is tough on children and families, this should slow down the rate at which the virus is spreading in our area.

Here’s what self-isolation means for a child or young person and their household members:

- Self-isolation means they must not leave their home for 14 days because they might have been exposed to Covid-19. It can take 14 days for symptoms to develop

- Your child(ren) should not leave the house and cannot visit family, friends or attend any activities or parties, even if these are outdoors. They cannot go out to exercise, use public transport or taxis, even if they wear a mask.

- Being sent home does not mean that your child(ren) has coronavirus and you should not book a test for your child(ren), unless they develop symptoms

- Other members of your household will not be expected to self-isolate due to child(ren) being sent home in a school bubble unless the child develops symptoms, in which case the rules on testing and self-isolation apply above.

- If your child(ren) develops symptoms while self-isolating at home, your entire household must self-isolate immediately and you should try to book a test for those with symptoms. You should check the period of self-isolation which applies here.To see the full Q&A visit: hertsvalleysccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-know.