Helping those most at risk to Covid-19

Brighton and Hove city council have released new information about how to help those most at risk to coronavirus during the November lockdown. Those over 60 or those who are clinically vulnerable are recommended to minimise their contact with others and maintain thorough cleaning and hand washing practises.

Those who fall under the clinically vulnerable category are those, aged 70 or over (regardless of medical conditions), or those who suffer from any of the following conditions.

• chronic (long-term) mild to moderate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic
• obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
• chronic heart disease, kidney disease or chronic liver disease
• chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease,
• multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
• diabetes
• a weakened immune system as the result of certain conditions or medicines they are taking (such as steroid tablets)

Individuals who are seriously overweight (have a body mass index of 40 or above) or pregnant are also considered to be clinically vulnerable and should take extra care to avoid contact with others when necessary and adopt good hygiene practises. The government have released further guidelines for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

There are volunteering opportunities across the Brighton and Hove area to help those most at risk to Covid-19 which can be found online. There are also multiple ‘mutual aid’ Facebook groups for local residents. The council has warned citizens to be aware of scams and to “be sceptical if you receive an email, text or WhatsApp message about coronavirus, and never click on any attachments or links.”

Full guidelines can be found here. The National AIDS Trust also provides advice for those living with HIV during the pandemic which can be found online.