Coronavirus

If you’re feeling anxious or COVID is making life harder, we’re here to help.

This page is also available in Welsh. 

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Following the latest guidance

It’s not always easy to keep up on what you should and shouldn’t be doing. If you’re not sure, it’s important to ask an adult you trust or look at the latest Government guidance.

There are still some important things you can do to help keep everyone safe:

  • wearing a mask or face covering if you can, especially indoors
  • washing your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds
  • using hand sanitiser
  • isolating or taking lateral flow or PCR tests when you’re meant to
  • keeping the windows open if you’re meeting someone inside
  • getting vaccinated, if you can.

Getting vaccinated helps protect you from catching COVID, or make the symptoms milder if you do. If you’re offered a vaccine, but you’re feeling anxious then we’ve got advice to help.

Get more advice on social distancing from the NHS website.

Coping with anxiety

It’s natural to feel anxious about things that are happening in the world, especially if you’re not feeling in control. But whatever’s happening, there are ways to cope:

  • Talk about it
    You’re not alone in how you’re feeling, and it can help to talk. Speak to someone you trust, a Childline counsellor or post anonymously on the message boards.
  • Focus on your body
    Anxiety can feel overwhelming sometimes, but focusing on your breathing and trying some exercises can help to calm you down.
  • Take time away from the news
    Lots of news articles will have titles designed to make you anxious so you read them. Only look at news you trust and take a break from it every day.
  • Give yourself time
    It’s natural to worry and it’s okay to need time to yourself. If you’re pushing yourself to just carry on, make time to take breaks and do something you enjoy.
  • Follow the guidelines
    The best way to keep everyone safe is to follow the guidelines. Even if other people aren’t always following them, you can do your part.

taking care of
MYSELF

We've got lots of advice about looking after yourself.

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus. It can affect people's lungs and airways, but seems to have less effect on children and young people.

It’s normal for new variants like omicron and delta to happen. These are different types of COVID-19 that can sometimes be more infectious, meaning it’s more likely someone will catch it from someone else. COVID-19 variants make it really important to get vaccinated if you’re able to and to follow social distancing.

Some people might have COVID-19 but not have any symptoms at all, but they can still make other people sick. This means it’s important to keep social distancing even if you’re healthy.

Even though it’s more infectious, most people who get COVID or coronavirus will recover fully. But it’s still important to follow social distancing to protect everyone and stop the spread.

Getting help if you feel unsafe

There are lots of reasons you might feel unsafe:

  • you or someone you know is being hurt or abused at home
  • you’re having lots of arguments with people you live with
  • you’ve run away or you’ve been told you have to leave
  • anything else happens that makes you feel unsafe or scared.

Sometimes it can feel difficult to get help because you’re isolating or you’re not able to go into school. Whatever’s happening, there are ways to get help. You can talk to a Childline counsellor about anything, and in an emergency you should always call 999.