Protect yourself, others and the NHS from coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NHS in England and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to protect patients, our community and NHS staff while ensuring as many services as possible are available to the public.

Firstly we want to reassure you that during this difficult time Yorkshire Ambulance Service is focusing all its efforts on continuing to provide services for the people of Yorkshire and the Humber - our emergency services, NHS 111 and patient transport services. As always, we will prioritise on the basis of need.

You might notice some differences as we make sure we protect both patients and our staff. For example more of our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) on both ambulances and patient transport services.

The most up-to-date public guidance is always online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

If you have any symptoms associated with coronavirus including a new continuous cough, a high temperature a loss of, or a change in your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) you are advised to follow the guidance on self-isolation. Please do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice.

You should arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19. For further details on how you can ask for a test and what to do if you have been in contact with a person who has coronavirus, read about the NHS Test and Trace service. 

If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus tool that will check your symptoms and tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do. 

Most importantly we ask the public to use our services appropriately and follow the national guidance on coronavirus which you can find on this page. Only call NHS 111 directly if you are advised to do so by the online service or if you cannot go online.

You can also find important information about our Patient Transport Service (PTS) during the pandemic on our website. 

Help us help you get the treatment you need
We want you to know that if you need medical help, Yorkshire Ambulance Service is here for you. Please make sure you access our services if you need help for conditions not related to coronavirus:

  • If you need urgent medical help or are facing a mental or physical health crisis, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111.
  • If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999.
  • If you are told to go to hospital, it is important that you go to hospital.
  • You should continue to attend your appointments, unless you have been told not to attend.

Useful resources

General advice and information about coronavirus

Guidance for everyone on keeping safe

Poster/factsheets to download and share in your local area

Advice about staying at home if you or your family might have coronavirus

Looking after your mental health