Download the new NHS Covid-19 app
The NHS has launched a free app as part of its Test and Trace service. It’s the fastest way to see if you’re at risk of coronavirus so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
The app will alert you if you’ve been near other app users who have tested positive for coronavirus. It also allows you to quickly check-in to venues, see if the infection rate is increasing in your local area, check symptoms and book a coronavirus test. If you need to self-isolate it will set a countdown timer.
The app tracks coronavirus and not you. It doesn’t store any personal information about you or track your location. It can’t access your phone contacts and it keeps your privacy and identity secure.
The app is available in different languages and is easy to download for free. Search ‘NHS Covid19’ where you usually get your apps from on your smartphone.
New coronavirus measures introduced
The government has announced new measures to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. These include:
- Face coverings must be worn by shop staff, taxi drivers and passengers
- All pubs, bars and restaurants are table service only. Takeaways can continue
- Hospitality venues must close at 10pm
- Customers in indoor hospitality venues have to wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink
- Office workers should work from home if possible
- The planned return of spectators to sports venues will not go ahead from October 1
- Exemptions to the ‘rule of six’ will be cut back; this means indoor team sports such as five-a-side football matches won’t be possible from 1 October
- Wedding attendance will be reduced to 15 people from 28 September
- Penalties for not wearing a mask or gathering in groups of more than six will increase to £200 on the first offence
It’s important that we follow the rules to help protect each other and reduce the risk of needing to return to full lockdown restrictions. It also remains really important to wash your hands regularly, keep your distance from those outside your household and self-isolate and book a test if you develop any of the symptoms.
More information on the new measures
Keeping schools healthy
We have plenty of up-to-date information and resources available on our welcome back to school webpage to help families and schools stay safe and healthy this autumn.
You can find advice on what to do if your child is ill or someone in your family or school community develops coronavirus symptoms. There is also a guide on when to use which NHS services. You can also find out how schools are operating under coronavirus safety guidelines.
Exact safety measures will vary for each setting so speak to your school or visit their website if you have questions about their specific safety procedures and what you can do to support them.
Find out about fostering
Could you be a foster carer? Are you interested in supported lodgings? Register for our new virtual event on Tuesday 06 October and talk to our expert team, from the comfort of your own home!
On the evening you will have the opportunity to talk privately with our experienced team as well as some of our current foster carers, who are on hand to talk about what it’s really like to foster a child. We’ll also have people currently partaking in our supported lodgings scheme on hand for those interested in helping a young person in their journey to independence.
Portsmouth’s Citywide Harvest to support those in need
Between 20 September and 4 October, Portsmouth residents are encouraged to support a citywide harvest, by donating items of food in a number of local churches, schools and other community facilities across the city.
The With Thankful Hearts initiative aims to support those who are struggling for food supplies this autumn and winter, particularly in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The donations will be distributed to foodbanks and other charities who would normally be supported at harvest festivals, which will be impacted this year due to coronavirus restrictions.
