COVID-19 advice if you’re in temporary accommodation

Advice if you're in temporary accommodation on how COVID-19 spreads, testing, who can get the vaccine and what to do if you have the virus.

If you're staying in temporary accommodation there are ways you can protect yourselves from COVID-19.

What is COVID-19 and what causes it

COVID-19 is an illness that mainly affects your lungs. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

How COVID-19 is spread

COVID-19 is spread through droplets, or particles, which people breathe in and out. Someone with COVID-19 can release particles into the air when they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

People nearby may get COVID-19 if they:

  • breathe in these particles
  • touch surfaces where the particles have landed.

The risk of COVID-19 is higher in crowded and enclosed spaces. This is because there are more people who might be infectious, and less fresh air.

You can get COVID-19 and spread it to others even if you have had a vaccine.

How to stay safe from COVID-19

To reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 you can:

Get more advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19

What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive

Main symptoms of COVID-19

Find out the symptoms of COVID-19 in adults.

Find out the symptoms of COVID-19 in children.

What you need to do if you have COVID-19 or symptoms

Even if you’ve had one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine you:

If you're staying in a hotel, the staff can help you arrange your meals and other needs whilst you stay in your room.

Who can get tested for COVID-19

Most people in England are no longer advised to get testing. Find out what you can do instead of taking a COVID-19 test

Find out who is still eligible for free COVID-19 testing through the NHS.

Download the NHS app to keep a record of your COVID-19 vaccination

You can use the NHS app to get secure access to NHS services on a smartphone of tablet. You can also use it as digital proof that you've had a COVID-19 vaccine.

Download the free NHS to your smartphone or tablet

Getting COVID-19 advice in your own language

Page last updated: 14 April 2022

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