You may have heard about the term “shielding”. In simple terms, this concerns the extra measures being recommended to protect those who are deemed to be at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) because of an underlying health condition.
If you fall into one of the categories listed below you will receive a letter by Sunday 29 March from the NHS, or will be contacted by your GP. If you are not contacted, you should discuss this with your GP or hospital clinician. Importantly, you will be strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for a period of at least 12 weeks from the day you receive your letter.
People falling into this extremely vulnerable group include:
– Solid organ transplant recipients
– People affected by specific cancers / cancer treatments
– People with severe respiratory conditions
– People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism
– People on immunosuppression therapies
– Some women who are pregnant
1. the complete list of people falling into this extremely vulnerable group
2. what measures you are advised to adopt in order to protect yourself
3. what to do if you live with someone else
4. how you can you get assistance with foods and medicines if you are shielding. Please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable from Tuesday 24 March (or click here) to register for the support that you need. This includes help with food, shopping deliveries and additional care you might need.
5. What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period
6. advice for visitors, including those who are providing care for you, as well as advice for informal visitors
7. ways to stay in contact with family and friends.
Should you have questions about this bulletin, or about anything else related to coronavirus, then do please get in touch with us at office@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk or 01273 234040
