Symptoms of coronavirus in children

The mains symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough - this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours 
• a loss or change to sense of smell or taste - this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

What to do if your child has symptoms 

If your child has any of the main symptoms of coronavirus: 

1. Get a PCR test to check if they have coronavirus as soon as possible. 
2. Stay at home 
3. Inform the school

If the test is negative, all children can return to school if well enough to do so. Please ensure you let the school know the outcome of the test as soon as possible. 

If the test is positive, the child with the positive test must isolate for 10 days starting from when the symptoms started.  Please ensure you let the school know the outcome of the test as soon as possible. 

Close contact and household guidance

There has been a change to guidance regarding what to do if your child has been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive (PCR) or if you have a positive case (PCR) in your household. For both cases, in order to avoid isolation, the close contacts or household members must take a PCR test and then complete daily Lateral Flow Tests for 7 days from the day of the person’s positive test result. Doing this will enable your child to continue to attend school without the need to isolate. The Lateral Flow Tests can be obtained free of charge from most pharmacies or can be ordered online. It is imperative you continue to inform the school if your child is having a COVID-19 test or is displaying symptoms, as well as the result of any PCR test.

If you are unsure and require medical advice, call 111 or contact your doctor. 

To arrange a test, visit the testing website or call 119. 

For all the latest guidance, visit the Coronavirus Government Webpage. 

How to look after your mental health and emotional wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak

At the moment, because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are all dealing with a lot of uncertainty and frustration. It’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed and worried by everything you’re hearing about COVID-19, and that’s completely normal. Click here for resources that are available to help children and young people look after their mental health.

Other Guidance

Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection

Getting tested

Guidance for full opening of schools

NHS coronavirus in children

How to wash your hands video