NOT everyone who tests positive for Covid or develops symptoms can isolate themselves from their household, but there are small steps that can be taken to help stop the spread of the virus at home. 

Reducing the spread of Covid is particularly important for those living under the same roof as people with underlying health conditions and may be worried about infecting them.

The likes of Gemma Jordana, who laughed, cried and danced to her Instagram followers as she came to terms with self-isolation, was able to isolate away from her partner, who is deemed vulnerable, in the bottom floor of their Newcastle townhouse.

NHS and other key workers moved into caravans and other temporary accommodation during the first lockdown, so not to put family members at risk.

But as England faces lockdown 2, which is expected to come into force tomorrow, Thursday November 5, and stays away from primary addresses are banned for all but work, here are some Government tips on how to reduce the spread of Covid indoors. 

Wash your hands

This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of catching Covid or passing it on to others and has been advised since the start of the pandemic.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food. Clean your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand.

Dispose of tissues into a rubbish bag and immediately wash your hands. If you have a carer, they should use disposable tissues to wipe away any mucus or phlegm after you have sneezed or coughed and then wash or sanitise their hands.

Regularly clean surfaces and bathrooms after each use

Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and remote controls, and shared areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. This is particularly important if you have a clinically extremely vulnerable person in the house.

Use standard household cleaning products like detergents and bleach to clean your home as these are very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean shared bathrooms each time they are used, especially the surfaces an infected person has touched, using your usual bathroom cleaning products.

Use disposable rubbish bags for cloths and tissues

Cleaning cloths and personal waste such as used tissues and disposable face coverings should be stored in disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin. Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.

Opt for the dishwasher 

Use a dishwasher to clean and dry your crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them by hand using washing up liquid and warm water and dry thoroughly using a separate tea towel.

Don't shake dirty laundry 

To minimise the possibility of spreading the virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry. All dirty laundry can be washed in the same load but if you do not have a washing machine, wait 72 hours after self-isolation has ended before taking the laundry to a public launderette.

Do not share towels, including hand towels and tea towels.

Ventilate indoor areas

Keep indoor areas well-ventilated, especially shared living areas. If you have symptoms, stay in a well-ventilated room with a window to the outside that can be opened if this is possible. Keep the door closed.

Use a face covering

If you have symptoms or a positive test result, use a face covering when in shared areas inside your home if possible. This may help to protect others by reducing the transmission but are not an excuse not to limit your contact with others.