Please note that the following information applies to Scotland (06/04/20).
NHS Inform
NHS inform is currently hosting a significant amount of information on COVID-19 (the coronavirus) including a self-help guide to check your symptoms and get advice.
Go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
The Scottish Government, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian and NHS 24 have been working together to provide translations of COVID-19 information. This is being translated into Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Polish, Romanian, Czech/Slovak, Spanish, Urdu and British Sign Language (BSL).
Easy read and audio versions will also be available.
Translated information will be available under five headings:
- General advice – overview
The English text is available here https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice - General advice – Common Questions
The English text is available here https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice#common-questions - Stay at home advice
The English text is available here https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-infection - Social distancing
The English text is available here https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing
- Shielding
The English text is available here https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-shielding
Translations (including COVID 19) are published on NHS inform – go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/translations
BSL videos are on NHS inform YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/nhsinform) and embedded on NHS inform. Go to www.nhsinform.scot/translations/languages/british-sign-language-bsl/illnesses-and-conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 – BSL users can go to the dedicated short URL (www.nhsinform.scot/BSL) to find all the BSL translations (including COVID-19)
Easy read resources are published here on NHS inform www.nhsinform.scot/translations/formats/easy-read/coronavirus-covid-19
There is also a section for professionals with COVID-19 translated posters for download, as well as a communications toolkit. Go to:
Please keep checking NHS inform for the most up-to-date quality assured information in English, translated and in alternative formats.
Go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
NHS Inform want everyone who visits the website to feel welcome and able to find information whatever their circumstance.
To do this they have:
- designed the website to be accessible and usable for everyone
- provided alternative text and subtitles for media content (where appropriate)
- written in plain English – making information easy to read and understand
- used Browsealoud, a free tool for reading and listening to information from your browser on any device.
Please see the Accessibility page for more information
How to access NHS 24 services
NHS 24 staff are also looking to introduce a SMS messaging service, Chat Bot, and web chat, initially on the COVID-19 helpline ( 0800 028 2816) and intend to provide more information on this soon.
The Relay UK service provides a centralised relay service for people who are deaf and without speech. This can be accessed by the app or by text phone. Of note, the operators also answer 999 emergency calls. You can call NHS 24’s 111 service (18001 111) or NHS inform (18001 0800 22 44 88) or for Emergency 999 calls the number is 18000, using this relay service.
contactSCOTLAND –BSL service can be accessed by people who are Deaf or deafblind and use BSL. The contactSCOTLAND-BSL staff are fully aware of NHS 24 services, including the COVID-19 helpline (The NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service is available in England and Wales).
What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19
If you’ve developed a new, continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature in the last 7 days, stay at home for 7 days from the start of your symptoms, even if you think your symptoms are mild. Do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital.
You should phone 111 if:
- your symptoms worsen during home isolation, especially if you’re in a high or extremely high risk group
- breathlessness develops or worsens, particularly if you’re in a high or extremely high risk group
- your symptoms haven’t improved in 7 days
- If you have a medical emergency, phone 999 and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms.
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Coronavirus, wash yourhands more often for 20 seconds. Use soap and water or a hand sanitiser when you: Get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, east or handle food. Coronavirus, protect yourself and others. Find out more at nhsinform.scot/coronavirus