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Last reviewed on 8 September
We are currently in step 4 of the government's roadmap, "a new phase of continued caution whilst managing the risks of COVID-19".
Step 4 isn't a return to normal and we should continue to act carefully. Find out what changed following the move to Step 4.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else. However, as someone who is at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if you were to catch COVID-19, you should think particularly carefully about precautions you can continue to take. These precautions are included in the government's guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
If you need help during COVID-19, or can volunteer to help, please contact St Helens Together on 01744 676767.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay at home and begin to self-isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms start. You should arrange a 'PCR' test as soon as possible: ask for a coronavirus test online or call 119.
Symptoms include:
You can opt for a home test kit or to book an appointment at our testing station at Fairclough Street car park, Earlestown (open seven days a week from 8am to 1:30pm).
Mobile testing units (MTUs) are used for short periods on varying dates within the borough, which we will publicise in advance.
If your test result is positive, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days. If you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 but meet the exemption guidance which came into force on 16 August, you do not need to self-isolate but are advised to book a PCR test.
Following a positive test result, you will be contacted by the NHS test and trace service, who will ask you for information about who you have seen in the past 14 days.
If you do not have symptoms, you can walk in to one of our community testing centres for a free, quick test, with results available in as little as 30 minutes, or collect a test kit to take home – subject to availability. Please read these frequently asked questions about symptom-free testing.
The Director of Public Health for St Helens writes or records a regular blog featuring coronavirus updates and messages for residents.
Please read our COVID-19 response privacy policy, which explains how we will collect, use and protect personal data specifically with regard to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Outlining support available for residents identified as clinically extremely vulnerable:
You can also download the government's translations of guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people.
The BBC has produced the following video content in five South Asian languages – Gujarati, Punjabi, Sylheti, Tamil and Urdu:
Doctors of the World are also providing translated information based on the NHS and the UK government’s advice and health information.