Coronavirus shielding – Latest NHS and government advice – The Sun
OVER a million people have been to asked to stay inside for 12 weeks to protect themselves from catching the coronavirus.
The latest government advice urges the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to stay at home and avoid contact in a process known as "shielding".
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
What is shielding?
"Shielding" aims to save lives by asking the most vulnerable to avoid all contact, minimising the risk of catching the coronavirus.
Those asked to take part in "shielding" are advised to stay at home at all times.
It is especially important not to have any contact with someone with coronavirus symptoms, including a dry cough or a fever.
You should not go to the shop, the park or to any public places.
According to the government, a new Local Support System will make sure those individuals self-isolating at home, without a support network of friends and family, will still receive groceries.
Those identified as the most vulnerable in a community will be contacted directly, most likely in person.
Supermarkets will also be opening their doors early for the elderly.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: "Public safety and making sure that those most at risk from the virus continue to get the support they need throughout this period is the Government’s top priority.
"People should stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives."
Who should be doing it?
The current government advice states that everyone should be avoiding large gatherings and contact as part of social distancing rules, but 1.5 million people have been asked to take further precautions.
Those particularly at risk include:
- People with cancer undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- People on immunosuppression drugs
- Women who are pregnant and have heart disease
- Those with respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, severe asthma or severe COPD
- Solid organ transplant recipients
- People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We are working incredibly hard, day and night, to protect the nation’s public health whilst supporting our NHS so it can continue to look after patients in need of care.
"It is vital that we do everything we can to protect ourselves, our families and our friends from being impacted by the virus. But for those who are at the highest risk in our society, we have to do even more to ensure they’re kept safe."
How to practice shielding and how long to do it for
Those asked to practice shielding are forbidden from having any face-to-face contact.
This means you cannot have any visitors round to your house.
The only people permitted to visit you are healthcare workers or people who provide you with personal support.
You should avoid anyone with the symptoms of coronavirus, such as a dry cough or fever.
And anyone coming into your home should keep their hands clean by washing with soap and water.
Those who live with you will not need to shield themselves but should still follow social distancing rules and make sure shared spaces are kept disinfected and clean.
Try to use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
Those asked to "shield" should do so for 12 weeks from the day they are told to start the process.
Should this change or be updated, you will be contacted.
For more information on shielding and how to protect the extremely vulnerable from coronavirus, you can visit the government online guidance.
You can also call your doctor to discuss the issue further.
How can I practice 'social distancing' even if I'm not vulnerable?
Social distancing has been described as one of the most effective methods to tackle the outbreak of Covid-19.
Even for those not in the vulnerable group, it is very important to abide by social distancing rules to avoid catching the virus or unknowingly spreading it.
The UK government have shared several steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people.
This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus. They are to…
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
- Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this.
- Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
- Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
Source: Read Full Article
