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If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, CLICK HERE to book a test. You have the option of ordering a home testing kit, going to a walk in test centre or completing your test at a drive-thru test centre. Please DO NOT visit the KIKIT Drop-In centre without an appointment, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you can reschedule an existing appointment by speaking to a member of our team.

Taking the test? watch this video on how to take the COVID-19 test.

Treatment is now available in the UK, CLICK HERE for everything you need to know about the new COVID-19 vaccine by the NHS.

Know about COVID-19

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person.
• The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world.
• COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.

COVID-19 Symptoms

• 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

Know how COVID-19 is spread

• You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person.
• You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

• There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol- based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Practice social distancing

• Buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor, and complete banking activities online when possible.
• If you must go in person, stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
• Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.
• There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can seek medical care to help relieve your symptoms.
• If you need medical attention, call ahead.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must self isolate for 10 days.
• If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, you must also self isolate for 14 days regardless if you are experiencing symptom’s.

Know your risk for severe illness

• Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19.
• Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness.

Using Drugs/Alcohol during COVID-19

Now is an extra risky time – it is safer not to use.

A weak immune system and drug use can make you more at risk of serious illness.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – before and after you handle, prepare or take drugs 

• Use alcohol wipes on surfaces where you prepare drug (you can get these from needle exchanges and / or pharmacies) 

• Get extra needles and drug paraphernalia to reduce your social contact

• Carry naloxone in case of overdose, emergency services will be busy and may be slower responding to 999 calls 

• If you are snorting drugs, crush as finely as possible before use, to reduce the risk of nasal damage/bleeding 

• Use an unused straw, rolled up post-it or clean piece of paper

• Look after yourself and look out for others 

• Drug supply may be disrupted please seek help from CGL Birmingham

What NOT to do

• Do not share drug paraphernalia like needles, syringes, spoons, tooters, crack pipes 

• Do not use notes or keys if snorting drugs as they harbour infection

• Do not pass around or share cigarettes or joints 

• Avoid physical contact with others if preparing or using drugs 

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For further reliable and regularly updated information on COVID-19, visit the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

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Further COVID-19 Resources:

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