Noticing how you are doing and thinking about if you can do anything differently. The “high risk” list was defined as a subset of Thinking about ways to take care of your wellbeing can help. This guidance is for people, including children, who are extremely vulnerable to developing serious illness if they are exposed to coronavirus because they have a particular serious underlying health condition (these are listed below). Around 130,000 people in Wales have been advised to take shielding measures since the start of the pandemic because they are at high risk of developing serious illness if they contract coronavirus. Updated shielding advice that is more targeted and will only apply in some of the worst affected areas and only for a limited period of time. It is breaking the law to discriminate, directly or indirectly, against anyone because of a protected characteristic such as age, sex or disability, race or ethnicity. From 16th August 2020, shielding will … A workplace risk assessment tool has been developed to help people working to see if they are at higher risk of developing more serious symptoms if they come into contact with coronavirus. NHS Wales Guidance on supporting shielding employees return to the workplace Introduction During the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, 'clinically extremely vulnerable staff' have been shielding at home. Shielding in Wales We are deeply concerned by the impact on the wellbeing of people who are shielding or being asked to take particular care when social distancing. If you need to be seen in person, your GP practice will contact you to let you know what you should do. You should follow the same rules as the rest of the population in Wales as these are designed to minimise spread of the virus, but also take extra precautions by: If you develop any of these symptoms, however mild, you are advised to book a test immediately. This list is referred to as the Shielded Patient List (SPL). The Chief Medical Officer for Wales will write again to … Shielding in Wales on ends on August 16. Support can be provided where someone needs help or adaptations beyond reasonable adjustments. People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection. At present most cases are being passed within families and close friends. Employers also have particular responsibilities towards disabled workers and those who are new or expectant mothers. Connecting with others. GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. Scotland and Wales have extended the periods during which clinically extremely vulnerable patients should shield from Covid-19, until 31 July and 16 August respectively. Keeping contacts to a minimum. Follow the advice for coronavirus (COVID-19). Exercise should be taken when it’s less busy to reduce risk of contact with others. If you have someone who can pick up your medicines please ask them to do so. Letters will be sent out describing how medical advice is changing. Guidance on protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from coronavirus (COVID-19) – previously known as ‘shielding’, Protect yourself and others from coronavirus, Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from Coronavirus (COVID-19), Guidance on protecting people most likely to get very poorly from coronavirus (shielding): easy read guide. Since the introduction of shielding, many new safety measures have been introduced in our communities and workplaces, which have reduced the need for such restrictive advice. It is very important you continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues. In England and Northern Ireland, the shielding period is currently due to end on 30 June. Frequently Asked Questions on shielding can be found here. In England, most areas are pausing shielding. Talking about worries and problems can make things easier. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Not judging yourself when you are having a hard day. It can provide practical and financial support for people who have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition. In Wales our charities represent many thousands of people who are shielding and have been advised to stay home as much as possible because they are at a significantly increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus. Employers are under a duty to take all reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus, and therefore if you cannot work from home you can still go to work. The shielding programme was paused on August 1, and people who stayed at home to protect themselves from Covid-19 were allowed to return to work. So what do we think about the fact that people who are shielding in Wales can now go out tomorrow (Monday) for exercise and can see 1 household. This is available from Carers UK. Follow the advice for coronavirus (COVID-19). Shielding was initially introduced between March and August when the virus was new and the Chief Medical Officer for Wales advised those most at risk to serious harm from coronavirus to stay at home to protect themselves. GP appointments continue to be available, though initially they may be provided by phone, email or online. Working from home, where you can. In a work environment review. People with severe single organ disease (e.g. GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. Susan and Ken Dinn had been shielding on a holiday park in Caernarfon, North Wales, since July they wanted to keep away from their home as the borough has … Shielding rules in Scotland and Wales. Covid shielding ends in Wales August 17, 2020 Gwynoro Jones COVID-19 , Newyddion - News THE Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton has confirmed people in Wales who are shielding will no longer need to do so after August 16. You can get advice on your specific situation and your employment rights by visiting the Acas website or calling the Acas helpline, 0300 123 1100. This means that, if Coronavirus levels keep going down, many older people will have more freedom to leave their homes. GP surgeries and community pharmacies have made sure it is safe for you and your household contacts to be vaccinated. Those shielding in Pembrokeshire – totaling more than 5,600 people – are asked to continue to follow the advice of […] Why not try some calming activities, such as relaxation exercises or talking to others. CALL can also signpost to support in local communities and a range of online information. letter from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales. Vulnerable people in Wales who have been shielding from coronavirus can exercise outdoors from Monday. Most have also introduced various e-payment methods to remove the need for access to cash if other people are shopping for you. ... Wales Rugby Team Ireland 32-9 Wales… Non-essential cookies are also used to tailor and improve services. Wales' chief medical officer Dr Frank Atherton has previously advised all those shielding can take unlimited exercise outdoors and meet with members of one other household outdoors. Get a shielding note if you cannot work. “We have advised everyone in Wales to maintain social distance of two metres and keep good hygiene when meeting outdoors. For longer journeys, or if you cannot walk or cycle, consider what you can do to minimise the number of people you come into close contact with e.g. If you have a learning disability and need some support understanding the letter, you can contact the Wales Learning Disability Helpline on 0808 8000 300 – it is free and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday – Friday, including bank holidays (closed on weekends). PEMBROKESHIRE residents who are shielding are being reminded that there has been no change to the advice on shielding in Wales. It is a good idea to speak to your carers about what happens if one of them becomes unwell, and consider a back-up plan. avoid sharing a car with another person outside your household. Mind Active Monitoring provides six weeks guided self-help for, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and more. Based on what we know so far the impact of their pre-existing, long-term health condition on their immune system puts them at high risk of serious illness if they are exposed to coronavirus. Pregnant women with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired. Your hospital or clinic will contact you if any changes need to be made to your care or treatment. A letter will be issued with the outcome of this review. There are different ways you may be able to reassure yourself. Based on our better understanding of coronavirus, the great majority have now been advised they do not need to shield if this is advised again in the future, and that they should return to school. Planning ahead before going out. Information for protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19. Those living in care home settings may still be required to comply with other restrictions as a result of the care home visitors guidance available at: Visits to care homes: guidance for providers. The governments in Scotland and Wales are advising people who have been shielding to follow the same rules as everyone else and to take extra precautions. Other things you could do to stay healthy, If you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/active-monitoring-sign-up/active-monitoring-form/, take all reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus, guidance to employers on taking measures to make the workplace safe, Operational guidance for schools and settings for the autumn term. You can use this note to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Find out more about alternative options. Carers or support workers who support you with your everyday needs can continue to visit you, unless they have signs of coronavirus. Almost 130,000 people will this week start receiving a letter from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales setting out the latest advice where they will be told to continue shielding until 16 August. For the latest government advice on protecting clinically extremely vulnerable people: If you do need to travel, for short distances, we would encourage you to walk or cycle, as this is not only good exercise but it also means you are outside, which is generally lower risk. If you don’t have friends or family who can help you, there are local community groups who may be able to help. Around 130,000 people in Wales have been advised to take shielding measures since the start of the pandemic because they are at high risk of developing serious illness if they contract coronavirus. Your household contacts should also have a flu vaccine as that will help give you extra protection. Children will remain on the Shielding Patient List unless they are told they have been taken off it. Cleaning surfaces regularly and avoid touching surfaces others have touched. Asking people to shield at home for a considerable amount of time can cause harm to mental and physical health and so we will not ask people to shield again unless it is absolutely necessary. The Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton has confirmed people in Wales who are shielding will no longer need to do so after 16 August. Now Wales is poised to enter a new national lockdown, the Welsh Government has given advice for people who were previously shielding. But in Wales shielding advice remains in place until 16 August. 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