Life on the inside: the UK’s 10 most Googled coronavirus questions

With the UK in lockdown, it is unsurprising that many people are sat at home with lots of questions that need answering – just for peace of mind.

Here, PA looks at 10 of the nation’s most pressing coronavirus concerns Googled in recent weeks and comes up with some answers.

– How to get tested for coronavirus in the UK?

Hold on. Currently, tests for coronavirus are only being carried out on those who have actually been admitted to hospital or health workers – anyone with milder symptoms is advised to simply self-isolate at home.

– How to treat coronavirus?

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus then you should self-isolate or contact the NHS 111 online coronavirus service for further information if you are particularly concerned.

Patients who need treatment in hospital may require a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe – but this is only in extreme cases.

– How to prevent coronavirus?

Try to avoid contact with anyone who has it by observing the Government’s social-distancing measures, which should be fairly familiar by now.

These include only going out for food, health reasons or work if you cannot do so from home, keeping a two-metre distance from others and washing hands with soap and hot water regularly.

Research is also under way across the world to create a vaccine against coronavirus and some potential vaccines have already entered clinical trials.

– How to know if you have coronavirus?

Commonly accepted symptoms of the disease include a fever, which NHS England says is usually a temperature of 38C or above, tiredness and a dry and continuous cough.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says other symptoms can include shortness of breath, aches and pains, and a sore throat

Many people have also reported a loss of taste and/or smell, as well as abdominal pains.

– How to claim universal credit?

Applications for Universal Credit can be made, as normal, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Self-employed people now in need of Universal Credit will also be able to get an advance credit to tide them over, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said.

You might expect a bit of a wait though – the DWP has seen a surge in benefits claims, with almost 950,000 new ones in the past two weeks.

– How to treat covid 19 at home?

According to the NHS, if you or a member of your family is exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus then the entire family should stay at home for 14 days and restrict all movement, starting from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

– How to get rid of a sore throat?

A sore throat is not necessarily a symptom of coronavirus. You may just need to drink water, rest or eat some ice-cream.

– How to claim benefits during coronavirus?

Clearly this question appearing again suggests financial issues are a concern for many during the pandemic, with some losing their jobs and others qualifying for government support such as having 80% of their wages paid through the coronavirus job retention scheme.

Speaking to the DWP or consulting the government’s guidance for employees and the self-employed should provide you with the information you need to approach a claim.

– How to make face masks for coronavirus?

There is an ongoing debate about the use of masks at a community level and the WHO currently recommends they only be used by people who are sick or those who were looking after them.

3D printing enthusiast Sid Lovatt from North Yorkshire received lots of requests from care-home workers since he started making protective masks at home – but it’s best to leave it to professional manufacturers.

The Government announced on Wednesday that over the past two weeks more than 390 million PPE products had been delivered to health workers.

– How to claim rent?

The Government has pledged billions to help those affected financially by the coronavirus keep up essential payments – like rent.

The Chancellor announced a £1 billion package for renters, including increasing housing benefit and Universal Credit, which can be applied for online.

He said the welfare payments’ “generosity” would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30% of market rents.