KEEP SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS

Keep safe from coronavirus Help to slow the spread of the virus and protect yourself and this winter others with the following advice

Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly

Wear a face covering where rules apply, including in pubs, shops and on public transport

Keep a safe distance from anyone not in your household or support bubble

Book a free test if you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild

Stay at home if you test positive for the virus or if you’ve been asked to be NHS Test and Trace

To book a free COVID-19 test, call Brent Council on 020 8937 4440. Or you can also visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. The swab test is simple and takes around 20 seconds.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are

A high temperature

A new, continuous cough

A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

KEY TERMS EXPLAINED Self-isolate This is when you do not leave your home because you have, or might have, coronavirus. Social distancing This means you should stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with or anyone not in your support bubble. You should not hug, kiss or touch anyone you do not live with. In busy spaces, where keeping 2 metres apart may be difficult, keep at least 1 metre apart and wear a face covering. Household This is the people you live with permanently, under one roof, at one address. Support bubble If you live alone or are a single parent living with children under 18, you can form a support bubble with another household. This means you can have close contact with that household as if you live with them. They must not be in a support bubble with anyone else. Quarantine This is when you do not leave your home because you have returned from a country with a high coronavirus risk. MUTUAL AID GROUPS Mutual Aid groups are independent groups run by neighbours who connect with, listen to and support other neighbours.

Groups covering all of Brent have been working to provide practical support such as delivering food, medicine and other supplies to people who need to stay at home, as well as providing emotional support.

Find your local mutual aid group at www.brent.gov.uk/covidguide

LOCAL TESTING SITES It’s now easier than ever for people who live or work in Brent to book a free COVID-19 test in the borough if they have symptoms. The council has a fixed number of appointments to give out to local people each day at the Wembley and Harlesden walk-through testing sites. These can be booked by calling 020 8937 4440 (the line is open from 9am-5pm, seven days a week). If you don’t have symptoms, don’t get a test. We all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service for those who really need it.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE If you, or your business, are struggling due to coronavirus, there is a range of financial and emergency support available through the council.

Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling 020 8937 1234 .

A £500 Test and Trace support payment is available for people on low incomes who have been asked to stay at home by NHS Test and Trace and are unable to work.

Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply at www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus.

DOWNLOAD THE NHS COVID-19 APP The NHS COVID-19 app is the fastest way of knowing if you are at risk of coronavirus.

Key features

Available in nine languages Anonymous and secure See your area’s risk-level Book a test quickly and easily Check your symptoms

DOWNLOAD THROUGH YOUR DEVICE’S APP STORE