The NHS has warned that Covid is more likely to spread in two specific environments: indoors and in crowded places. The guidance comes as new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show a mixed picture in England, with cases falling but deaths and hospital admissions rising.
UKHSA data shows mixed trends
According to the most recent UKHSA figures, reported cases in England dropped by 5% in the week ending October 28, falling from 2,301 to 2,186. However, deaths during that period increased by 24.6%, rising from 69 to 86, while patients admitted to healthcare facilities with Covid climbed by 33.5% - from 875 to 1,168.
Covid transmits "very easily" through close proximity to individuals carrying the virus. This occurs because when somebody with Covid breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, they emit tiny droplets containing the virus.
How Covid spreads
On its website, the NHS states that you can contract the virus by inhaling these droplets, or by touching contaminated surfaces and subsequently touching your eyes, nose or mouth. It also cautions that you are "more likely" to catch Covid "indoors and in crowded places".
To minimise your risk of contracting Covid, it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser frequently throughout the day. If you face an elevated risk of becoming unwell from Covid, the NHS also advises you to open windows and doors when meeting people indoors, or arrange to meet them outside instead, and to work from home if possible, or discuss with your employer how they can help minimise your risk at work.
Protective measures and symptoms
Further NHS advice includes wearing a face covering when it's difficult to keep away from other people, maintaining at least 2 metres distance from people (especially indoors or in busy areas), and considering asking people to wear a face covering or take a rapid lateral flow test if you're meeting them inside.
The NHS lists the most up-to-date Covid symptoms as a new, continuous cough (coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours), a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, a high temperature, feeling tired or exhausted, a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, an aching body, shortness of breath, feeling sick or being sick, a headache, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite.
Self-isolation is no longer mandatory if you have Covid or Covid symptoms. However, the NHS recommends attempting to remain at home and avoid contact with others if you or your child displays symptoms and either has a high temperature and/or doesn't feel well enough to attend work, school, or carry out other routine activities. "You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare."
