Key national information sources
Everyone in England must follow the latest guidance.
- You should continue to work from home. When travelling within the UK, you should aim to do so safely and plan your journey in advance.
- Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 30 people and indoor gatherings will be limited to six people or two households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).
- People can take part in formally organised indoor sports
- Non-essential shops are open.
- Indoor entertainment and attractions can reopen.
- Indoor hospitality venues can reopen.
- Colleges, primary and secondary schools are open to all children.
Guidance on meeting friends and family now emphasises personal responsibility rather than government rules.
From 21 June, there will be some changes to the rules including care home visits and weddings. Stay up-to-date with the changes 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.
Anyone with symptoms can now get a coronavirus test, whatever their age. The full guidance can be found here.
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.
If you are extremely clinically vulnerable, you can register here to request for priority access to supermarket deliveries, ask for more information on shielding, and update your personal details. To register, you will need your NHS number.
For support to manage your mental health during this pandemic, you can visit the Every Mind Matters website.
Shielding and Vulnerable People
As of 1 April 2021 clinically extremely vulnerable people no longer need to shield. Click here for the latest information.
Covid-19 Vaccination
The clinically extremely vulnerable will get priority access to vaccination against Covid-19 before the general population and in line with the priority order. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you can book an appointment to receive the vaccination now. The vaccine is also being offered to unpaid adult carers as part of priority group six – those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
Even if you have had both doses of the vaccine, you should continue to follow the government guidance. The people you live with should also continue to follow the public health rules even if they have received the vaccine.
The gap between Covid-19 vaccinations jabs for over-40s in England will now be eight weeks rather than 12. You can rearrange your appointment here.
If your second vaccine is scheduled more than 8 weeks after your first, you’re invited to book an earlier slot if one is available.
Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Young people and children
Young people aged 16 years and over with specific clinical vulnerabilities will be offered vaccination.
The only other group that can be considered are children aged 12 years and over with severe neurodisabilities and recurrent respiratory tract infections who require residential care. These vaccinations would be considered unlicensed use, paediatricians and GPs should discuss the benefits, risks and safety data with children, young people and their parents/guardians.
You can find more information about the Covid-19 vaccination programme for children and young people here.
Working Safely During Coronavirus
You should work from home where you can. If you are classed as extremely clinically vulnerable, you may want to speak to your employer about making alternative arrangements so you can work from home. Information and guidance on a safe working environment for employers and employees during Covid-19 can be found here.
Access to Work provides support for the disability-related extra costs of working at home that are beyond standard reasonable adjustments an employer must provide.
If working from home is not possible, your employer may be able to furlough you under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme,which has been extended until 30 September 2021.
You may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
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.
The charity Family Lives currently provides emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life across England and Wales.
Support bubbles
A support bubble is a support network that links two households. The criteria have been expanded since December 2020 so that you can form a support bubble with a household of any size if:
- You live by yourself, even if carers visit you for support
- Your household includes a child with a disability who requires continuous care and is under the age of five
- Your household includes a child who is under the age of one or was under that age on 2 December 2020
- You’re a single adult living with one or more children under the age of 18
- You are the only individual in your household who does not need continuous care as a result of a disability
- You live with one or more people who need continuous care as a result of a disability, of which only one is over 18
- You are aged 16 or 17 and live with others of the same age, without any adults
You should not form a support bubble with a household that is part of another support bubble. For more information, visit the full guidance for unpaid carers here.
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.