Actions we can all take to keep each other safe

There are lots of safe behaviours we can all continue to follow to protect ourselves and those around us from COVID-19.

• Get fully vaccinated – the vaccine helps to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 by giving you the best protection from serious illness and reducing the risk of you passing it onto others. Join the thousands of people already vaccinated in Barnsley - book to have a coronavirus vaccine on NHS.UK.
  
  
• Hand washing – wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser. It's particularly important to wash your hands:
  • after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
  • before you eat or handle food
  • after coming into contact with surfaces touched by many others, such as handles, handrails and light switches
  • after coming into contact with shared areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
  • when you return home
    
    
• Face coverings – while it's no longer the law to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, you're advised to wear one as much as possible to help reduce the spread. This is particularly encouraged in areas that are busier and where social distancing is harder, eg on public transport and in supermarkets. Find out more about face coverings, including the reason for using them and what makes a good face covering.
  
  
• Let fresh air in – where possible try to meet up outdoors as this will help to blow away any COVID-19 particles in the air. If you do meet up indoors, open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate.
  
  
• Assess the risk - when you’re heading out, remember to assess the risk:
  • How busy is the area you’re visiting? If it's busy, try to spend as less time as possible in that area.
  • Consider wearing a face covering in busy and crowded indoor areas.
  • Can you meet up outdoors? The risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 reduces if you meet up outside.
  • Are the people you're meeting at higher risk of serious illness if they caught COVID-19? Remember to take extra care when meeting those that are at high risk from the virus.

What to do if you have symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are very similar. Respiratory infections can spread easily between people, so it's important to be aware of symptoms so you can take action to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to other people.

• Guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive, or you're a close contact

Testing for coronavirus

From Friday 1 April 2022 COVID-19 testing changed.

Free PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and lateral flow tests (LFTs) are no longer available for the general public.

If you still want to get tested and you're not eligible for a free NHS test, you must pay for a COVID-19 test yourself. You can buy a COVID-19 test from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.

There are a small number of people who will still be able to get free COVID-19 tests from the NHS. Find out about the changes to testing and who can get a free COVID-19 test on NHS.UK.

Getting your vaccine

The coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective. They give you the best protection against COVID-19. Find out more about the coronavirus vaccine on NHS.UK.

You can book an appointment to have your vaccine online or by calling 119. 

You may also be able to visit a walk-in clinic to receive your vaccine. You don't need to be registered with a GP and no appointment is needed.

Vaccines for frontline social care workers

If you work in health and social care, read our information about coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines for frontline social care workers.

Useful information links

• Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine (Barnsley CCG)
• COVID-19 vaccine resources for children and young people (GOV.UK)
• What to expect after vaccination (PHE)
• What to do after the vaccine - videos in different languages (NHS)
• Easy read information about COVID-19 vaccination (PHE)
• BSL information about COVID-19 vaccination (PHE)
• Vaccination information and frequently asked questions in different languages (NHS)

Guidance and support if you're self-isolating

• Guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive, or you're a close contact
• Help and support while you're staying at home because of COVID-19
• Financial support for households

Children and attending school

• COVID-19 symptoms in children
• Advice for attending school if children have symptoms of a respiratory infection
• Schools currently closed

Guidance for businesses

• Reducing the spread of respiratory infections in the workplace
• Support for businesses due to coronavirus

NHS COVID Pass

The NHS COVID Pass shows your COVID-19 vaccination details or test results; this is your COVID-19 status. The NHS COVID Pass may be required for travel to some international countries.

You can get a digital NHS COVID Pass on the NHS App or request a NHS COVID Pass letter on NHS.UK.

Coronavirus scams

A scam is a dishonest scheme designed to cheat you out of money. Unfortunately a number of scams around coronavirus have been reported, so we urge you to take care.

• How to avoid and report scams, and tips for staying safe

Coronavirus intelligence for Barnsley

You can find the latest COVID-19 figures for Barnsley on the GOV.UK coronavirus dashboard.