COVID Guidance (England)
On 8th December 2021, the government has announced that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.
This means:
- From 10 December, face coverings will be required by law in most indoor settings.
- From 13 December office workers who can work from home should do so.
- From 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption.
You can find out more on coronavirus guidance and the current restrictions here.
Updated: 22nd December 2021
Symptoms of Coronavirus
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
How to book a Coronavirus test
You can book a free test by:
- Visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
- Calling 119
- COVID-19 NHS Track & Trace App
When & How you will get your results
If you have had a test at a test site, it can take up to 48 hours to get your result. It may take up to 72 hours for a home test. You’ll get an email, text or call from the NHS Test and Trace service.
If you have any concerns about how long it is taking, please email VTNTesting@lancashire.gov.uk
If your symptoms worsen then please contact your GP or call the NHS on 111 and if it is an emergency call 999
Test and Trace Self Isolation Payments and how to apply
Burnley residents on low incomes who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home can now apply for the Government’s self-isolation payment scheme, worth £500. To learn more about the eligibility criteria, and to apply for the payment, please visit the following site:
Apply for a Self-Isolation Payment
If you are having trouble accessing this service through the digital link please call Burnley Council on 01282 425011 and a member of staff will be able to support you.