CONCERNS the large number of people living in shared housing in Oxford could help spread coronavirus has led the city council to send out advice.

Oxford City Council has written to tenants of the more than 3,000 houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with a reminder about 'rapidly rising' virus cases across the country.

With people from different families using communal facilities, the local authority letter said they presented 'particular difficulties' in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

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It reminded residents if there were six or more people normally living at the house then people should not have any visitors.

The exception being if any residents are absent and there are fewer than six people in the home.

The letter also included a reminder that if someone living in a HMO has Covid symptoms then all residents must self-isolate for 14 days or until the symptomatic person tests negative.

It said those breaking this faced being fined £1,000 and anyone self isolating may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme.

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Council advice went on to highlight other action people in shared housing can take to minimise the risk of contracting the virus.

It suggested minimising time spent in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas as much as possible and keep shared spaces well ventilated.

The letter also urged people to aim to keep two metres away from those they live with and, if possible, use a separate bathroom from others.

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Louise Upton

Councillor Louise Upton, cabinet member for safer, healthy Oxford, said: “Around one in five people in Oxford lives in an HMO and we’ve issued this advice to help them understand how to keep themselves safe from infection and on the right side of the law.

"No one wants to catch this illness or pass it on to others.

"We all need to be aware of the risks and take action to limit them."