Tips for Self-isolation

Hi All,

I hope first term is going well for you and you are enjoying what Warwick has to offer so far.

I wanted to write a little something about how to prepare for an imposed self-isolatory period. Hopefully, through my own experience of self-isolation at university, I can impart some hacks for dealing with what could be a very difficult time.

To revisit the NHS guidelines, self-isolation is necessary if:

• You have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• You’ve tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus
• You live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
• Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
• You’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app
• You arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk – see GOV.UK: how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK

The conditions of self-isolation are as follows:

• Do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
• Do not go on public transport or use taxis
• Do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask Someone to bring it to your home
• Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people Providing essential care
• Do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one

This information and more guidance can be found on the NHS website (link here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/)

If you are required to go into self-isolation, there are number of things I would recommend doing immediately, to help ease your transition into self-imposed lockdown.

• Food

First things first, order some food in. They are a number of supermarkets that cater for home, socially distanced delivery. Booking a slot online is easy, and as long as you clarify that your household is isolating, the delivery driver will make allowances for this.

However, I would flag now that most supermarkets have a long waiting list for home delivery. Still, Deliveroo app can offer same-day delivery from Co-op, which will help tide you over for a few days while you wait on a slot for a bigger convenience store. (P.S. don’t forget to take advantage of the discount code ‘Use the code STSROONEW to get £2.50 off your first two Deliveroo orders of £10 or more. New customers only!’).

Also, take-aways are more than ever at the centre of university culture. There is no reason why a few indulgent meals can’t be factored into your time at home, and even can be a great bonding opportunity with your house/ flat if you live with others. Plus with everything that is going on, a take-out is more than well deserved.

• Arts & Culture

Aside from Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more, you can still get you fair share of Arts and Culture through other online platforms. Warwick University has an account with Digital Theatre Plus (https://www.digitaltheatreplus.com/education), Alexander Street Press (a an electronic academic database publisher that has access to the National Theatre Collection, link here https://0-search-alexanderstreet-com.pugwash.lib.warwick.ac.uk/search?searchstring=national+theatre), and the department has put together a general list of digital resources: time-limited shows, general availability and pay-for-view live art (link here: The Show Must Go On(line) https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/scapvc/theatre/online_theatre/ ). In addition to this Backstage, entertainment-industry brand aimed at people working in film and the performing arts, with specific focus on casting, job opportunities, and career advice, has created The Slate, an all-new digital series featuring insights from casting directors, acting coaches, personal trainers, agents, actors, and creators. (link to the homepage here https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/coronavirus-quarantine-backstage-online-acting-career-seminars-70337/)

• Get in touch with friends and family

Not only is this really useful if you need someone to run errands for you, i.e. pick up a prescription, but also keeping communication going with your loved ones during this time is crucial. If possible, try to schedule in chats with friends and family just to provide an element of escapism from the day to day at home. It is totally natural to find self-isolation difficult but try to remain positive by reminding yourself that your isolation is only temporary, and you are more than capable to weather it.

I hope some of these ideas help those of you faced with self-isolation this term!

Best and speak soon,

Emma