If you or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus, then you are required to self-isolate so as to avoid further spread of the virus. This would mean that you are not able to go to work, but if you feel able to work from home and your job means this is possible then you can still do this.
If you are unable to work, then you can take the first seven days as sick leave without needing to provide any evidence to your employer. This is known as ‘self-certifying’.
After this, if your employer requires evidence that you are still not able to work then an isolation fit note could be obtained without the need to see a GP. It can be accessed by answering a few questions online via the NHS website or the NHS app. This will ensure that you do not need to leave your home and can continue to self-isolate.
The isolation note can then be sent by email, either directly to you or to your employer. This should mean that you then receive either statutory sick pay (SSP) or enhanced sick pay, depending on what is provided for in your contract.