People self-isolating at home because they have symptoms of Covid-19 should take extra care when disposing of tissues and cloths.

Swindon Borough Council has asked people to double bag such waste, and wait three days before putting it out.

The authority says: “Waste tissues produced by someone who has, or suspects they have, Covid-19 should be placed in a plastic bag, which should be tied when full. Disposable cloths or wipes used to clean hard surfaces such as kitchen worktops and bathrooms should also be placed in the same bag. This plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag, which should also be tied when full.

“You should keep bin bags containing these plastic bags should be kept in a secure place until the person’s test results are known. The bags should not be put out for collection or placed in communal waste areas until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.

"After being stored for at least 72 hours, please place these in your black wheelie bin or blue bags.”

A number of leading waste and recycling companies, such as Biffa, Grundon and Hills have also asked that anyone with symptoms should follow the same procedure with any material put out for recycling – double-bagged and kept for 72 hours before being put out for collection.