Staying at home through coronavirus COVID-19

Update 12 May: Stay alert and safe

The Government has outlined its new plan to stay alert, control the virus and save lives.

The plan includes:

• staying safe in public spaces and work places, by following ‘COVID-secure ‘ guidelines
• staying safe when leaving the home by adopting a number of principles. These principles are outlined by the Government here.
• continue to stay at home as much as possible

Relevant authorities have been given rights to uphold these measures, which are underpinned by the law. This includes the police, who have been given the authority to give out fines and disperse gatherings.

We know that things changing can seem a bit daunting, and it’s sometimes hard to know what these frequent changes mean, so below we’ve outlined the updated Government guidance and exactly what they need us all to do.

Staying at home

You should only leave the house for one of the following reasons:

• for work, where you can’t work from home
• going to shops to get things like food and medicine
• to exercise or, from Wednesday 13 May, spend time outdoors for recreation alone, with members of your household or with one other person from outside of your household
• any medical need, to donate blood, avoid injury or illness, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

If you’re classed as clinically vulnerable, you’re advised to stay at home as much as possible and if you do go out, take particular care to reduce contact with those outside of your household. Those considered ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ should continue to follow shielding measures.

For more information, please see the Government updated publication staying alert and safe. (Social distancing)

Tips for staying at home through coronavirus (COVID-19)

We know that these measures can seem daunting to some, as well as frustrating and even boring in some cases. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people. All of this is completely understandable and you aren’t alone in feeling this way!

With these measures in place, it can be helpful to know that there are other things you can do – that stick to the measures – to stay mentally and physically active.

• Look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website. A number of organisations are also sharing free home work-out videos and plans.
• Spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs.
• Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden.
• Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.
• Find new ways to stay connected to people. This could include video calls to family and friends, or joining online forums or groups. We have online support groups for people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, which allow you to be part of a community who understand how you’re feeling.
• Our community have recently been sharing their tips and advice for staying positive during self-isolation.