Coronavirus

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a new type of virus that’s been affecting some people across the world. It’s sometimes called coronavirus, and it can affect people's lungs and airways, but it seems like it has less effect on children and young people.

The symptoms are usually:

a high fever
a cough you haven’t had before.

Most people who get COVID-19 or coronavirus will recover fully without ever needing to see their doctor or GP. And experts in the UK and across the world are working on treatments and ways to keep everyone safe.

In the news

Everyone in the UK has been ordered to stay at home. This means that you can’t:

go out, unless it’s to shop for things like food, medicine and toilet paper
meet up with friends or with family you don’t live with.

You can still go out to exercise once a day, even if it’s for a short walk.

10 tips to cope during lockdown

Remember, if you’re not feeling safe at home or things are getting difficult, we can help.

Keep talking to people

Keep in touch with friends online, and talk to people at home. Talking about what’s happening can help to remind you that you’re not alone. Remember that you can still talk to Childline.

Make a routine

It can be great to relax for a few days, but after a while it can have a big effect on your mood. Keep setting an alarm and try to go to bed when you normally would. Plan activities so you know what you’re doing during the day.

Keep busy

Being stuck at home can be boring and stressful sometimes, especially if you don’t get on with your family. Staying busy with things like schoolwork or hobbies can help you cope.

Stay healthy

Make sure you’re eating healthily. You’re allowed out once a day to exercise, but there are lots of exercises you can do at home too.

Say goodbye to school

It can be upsetting when you’ve had to leave school suddenly, especially if it’s your last year there. But there are lots of ways keep in touch with your friends or say goodbye to people.

Tell someone if you need support

It can be tough when you’re used to having support from a school counsellor. If you can try to talk to an adult you trust like your parents or carers if things are getting hard. Remember, you can always get support on the message boards or from Childline.

Try new things

It’s easy to get bored when you’re stuck at home, so why not try learning a new skill. From practicing juggling to teaching yourself origami, the possibilities are endless. If you’re not sure, try asking for inspiration on the message boards.

Ask questions about what's happening

Whether you’re worried about people getting ill, what’s going to happen in your exams or what will happen with the coronavirus, it’s important to ask an adult you trust about what you can do.

Let your feelings out

Whatever you’re feeling, it’s better out than in! Create an account and let your feelings out in the mood journal, or get creative and make something using the Art box.

Need support?

Share how you feel with others on our message boards.

Family relationships

We know that families aren't always the easiest to be around. Whatever's going on with your family, you can talk to us.

Help if you're worried

Help stop the spread of the virus

Experts all over the world are working on ways to stop the spread of coronavirus. But there are things we can all do to help:

wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands as soon as you can afterwards
avoid hugging or touching other people
try to stay at least 2 metres away from people you see outside or in public places
talk to an adult you trust if you have questions.

Schools in the UK have all closed. Even though you’re off school, it’s important to avoid meeting up in large groups or going to crowded places. Meeting like that can make it easier for the virus to be passed on.

You can find out more about how to stop coronavirus spreading on the NHS website.

Coping with anxiety

It’s natural to be worried about what’s happening in the world. You might be worried about older or more vulnerable people you know getting ill, or about your school closing and how it’ll affect your exams. Everyone is different and will react in different ways, but it’s important to try not to panic.

If the coronavirus or feeling worried about what's happening is making it hard for you to cope then there are things you can do:

use the Calm Zone to find games or tools that help you relax
take a break from watching or reading the news to do something you enjoy
ask an adult you trust about what's happening if you're unsure or worried
do things every day to take care of yourself, especially if your routine changes.

It can be hard to know how often you should wash your hands, especially if you have OCD or you’re struggling with your mental health. If you're struggling, it’s important to get help by talking to an adult you trust.

Get information you can trust

There’s a lot of information online about Coronavirus, and you might hear different things from people you know. But not everything you hear or read about will be true.

There are some simple things you can do help make sure you’re getting the right information:

learn how to spot fake news or information that might not be true
read information from websites you know and trust, like Newsround or the NHS
if you’re not sure about something you’ve seen or heard, ask a teacher or another adult you trust.

Balloon

Play our game and feel your worries float away.

can't stop
worrying

If you're feeling anxious, you don't have to cope alone. We're here to help

Coping with schools closing

Schools in the UK have closed and exams have been cancelled. For some of you this might feel like a relief, but for others you might be worried about what will happen to your grades. You might also be upset about not getting to say goodbye.

However you’re feeling, we’ve got advice to make things easier and how to stay in touch with your friends during lockdown.

Feeling unsafe at home
There might also be times when staying at home will make you feel unsafe. Whatever’s happening, we’re here to support you.

Worried about exams?

Get advice on what's changing with exams.

Making a safety plan

A safety plan can help you know what to do if you feel unsafe at home. It can help to make one if you’re worried about being hurt or if you think something might go wrong. A safety plan includes all of the information you’ll need in an emergency.

It’s important to talk to someone you trust or to Childline when you’re making a safety plan.

Your plan could include:

who to call - this could be an adult you trust, Childline or the police
safe places you can stay if you have to leave home and how you’ll a plan on how to get there if you need to travel
things you’ll need in an emergency, like medication or a phone charger
what to do if you’re caring for someone else or if they need support.

If you’re feeling unwell

If you think you have coronavirus, don’t go to your doctor or GP unless you’re told to. The first thing you should do is tell an adult you trust or phone 111 for advice.

When you or someone you live with is having symptoms of coronavirus, then it’s important to stay at home. At the moment, it’s recommended that you all stay at home for 14 days after someone gets ill.

Staying at home can help to stop disease from spreading, especially to older people who are more at risk. Remember, most people who get coronavirus will get better without ever needing to see a doctor or GP.

You can find out more about what to do if you get ill on the Government website.