COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Symptoms guidance from the NHS website:
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- 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
Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.
Book a test online by clicking here or calling 119.
The poster below may help you in determining whether you or your child are experiencing symptoms linked to flu, cold or coronavirus:

Book a test online by clicking here or calling 119.
Help and support
Managing wellbeing - for adults and for children

ThinkNinja is a free app designed to support children's emotional health and wellbeing. It is available from your device's relevant app store.
There is a section in the app for coronavirus, covering fears linked to coronavirus, isolation struggles, worries about family and friends and coping techniques.
Click here for more information.
The One Reading Community Hub has been created for Reading borough residents who may require additional support during the pandemic. It is also a place for people to volunteer their time or services to help those in need.
The hub is a partnership between Reading Borough Council, Reading Voluntary Action, Brighter Futures for Children and the town's wide and varied voluntary and community sector.
It provides a helpline 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday on 0808 1894325 (freephone). For more details visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirussupport
Department for Education coronavirus helpline
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to
answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and
children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact
this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)