Coronavirus: What is self-isolation and when should you do it?

There have been 456 reported cases of Covid-19 as of 9am on Wednesday, it has been announced.

Globally more than 100,000 people who have contracted the disease.

168 Britons have been told to isolate themselves at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife, where an Italian doctor tested positive for coronavirus.

Public Health England (PHE) is advising anyone who has returned from Italy and shows respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever) should self-isolate.

In Hampshire 10 people have been diagnosed with the illness, but there have not been any cases in Portsmouth so far.

If you suspect you have coronavirus you are advised to self-isolate.

But what does it mean?

The health secretary helped to explain it in Parliament late last month.

What is self-isolation?

Matt Hancock, former minister for Portsmouth, said: ‘We updated the advice on exactly what self-isolation means early this week and it does for instance mean going home.

‘It means obviously not going on public transport, leaving the house as little as possible and trying to get other people to do things like collect groceries.’

SEE ALSO: What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

What if you live with other people?

Mr Hancock added: ‘If other people live with you at home, trying to keep out of contact with them.

‘It does mean, within a house where there is lots of people living, trying to stay away from others living in that house.

‘I appreciate that that is practically challenging and difficult, especially as a father of three small children I get it, but that is the goal of self-isolation.’

What should family members do if they have no symptoms?

Labour MP Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) asked what the advice is to the family members or others living with someone who is self-isolating.

Mr Hancock said: 'Other family members who are asymptomatic should go about their normal business in the normal way, it is those who have tested positively who should self-isolate.’