Key national information sources
From Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, England is under new national restrictions (lockdown).
The guidance on the new restrictions can be found here.
Under the new rules:
- you must not leave or be outside of your home except for specific purposes
- you must avoid meeting people you do not live with except for specific purposes
- certain businesses and venues have been ordered to close, including all non-essential shops, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, entertainment venues and personal care facilities
People who are classed as clinically vulnerable have been advised to:
- be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise their contacts with others; and
- continue to wash their hands carefully and more frequently than usual and maintain thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas in their home and/or workspace.
People who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable (many of those who were previously advised to shield) have been advised to:
- stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend essential health appointments
- work from home, or if unable to work from home, not go to work
- avoid all non-essential travel by private or public transport
- avoid shops including pharmacies
- continue to receive support with everyday needs from formal or informal carers
- register to receive support from their local authority
The full guidance on protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable is available here and the Government has stated that it has written to everybody who is clinically extremely vulnerable to set out detailed advice on the new shielding measures.
From Wednesday 2 December a local restriction tier system will be in place – guidance on this can be found here. The list of which areas are in each tier can be found here.
NHS information for people with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions that may be at higher than average risk from Covid-19 is here. Please be aware that this includes people affected by a broader range of conditions than those that reduce the effectiveness of our immune system. If you do not know whether you are at higher than average risk from Covid-19, then you need to consult our condition specific guidance, your GP, or your clinical specialist.
There is guidance here on if you have been in contact with someone who has a confirmed Covid-19 case but you do not live with that person.
Support
NHS Volunteer Responders in England can help with shopping, a prescription collection or a friendly chat. People needing support can self-refer if they think they meet the qualifying criteria. Carers can make a referral for someone they care and for themselves, if this support helps them continue in their caring role. To find out more about the service click here. To self-refer telephone: 0808 196 3646.
Shielding and Vulnerable People
New shielding measures have now been announced for the second national lockdown. Updated guidance for those classed as extremely clinically vulnerable can be found here.
Many children who shielded previously will no longer be classed as clinically extremely vulnerable due to the very low risk of children (including those with existing conditions) becoming very unwell from COVID-19, and so need not follow these new shielding measures. GPs and specialist clinicians have been provided with updated guidance as to which children should still be classed as clinically extremely vulnerable. You should discuss your child’s current risk status with a clinician if you have not already.
Those living in a household with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable are not advised to follow shielding measures, but should instead follow the general advice set out in the National Restrictions guidance.
From Wednesday 2 December a local restriction tier system will be in place – guidance on this can be found here. The list of which areas are in each tier can be found here. The guidance for everyone who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable which will apply from December 2 can be found here.
Working Safely During Coronavirus
Information and guidance on a safe working environment for employers and employees during Covid-19 can be found here.
Carers and Parents
Mencap have pulled together resources and advice for carers who may be affected by Covid-19. Carers UK also have a useful guide.
Anyone with symptoms can now get a coronavirus test, whatever their age. The full guidance can be found here.
The charity Family Lives currently provides emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life across England and Wales.
Information for Charities
The NCVO has information for charities that may have concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes information on funding, supporting workers and other resources.