Public health advice if you're more at risk from coronavirus

London Borough of Camden sent this bulletin at 08-01-2021 06:30 PM GMT

Camden Council 

Dear Camden resident,

 

We are getting in touch from Camden Council because we understand the Government has written to you advising you to begin shielding again. This is because you have a specific health condition, which means you’re at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable).

 

Firstly though, we know that it’s a really difficult time at the moment and that news of another lockdown might be very concerning. To support you through this time, we want to remind you what the latest advice is to help you stay safe and to let you know how you can access support.

 

Lockdown guidance for people who are more at risk from coronavirus

 

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, please begin shielding again and stay home as much as possible. However, you’re encouraged to leave the house to attend medical appointments or to exercise, which is good for your physical and mental health.

 

If you cannot work from home, you should not go to work. If you are in this position, and to support your income, you may be able to be put on furlough or access Statutory Sick Pay or Employment Support Allowance. You can apply for both of these benefits at the same time online - gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim - or by calling Job Centre plus on 0800 169 0350. If you are worried about losing your job or have an employment-related question, you can access advice through a local voluntary sector organisation. Find out more at coronavirus-help.camden.gov.uk

 

To register your need for local support, if you haven’t already, please register for the Government’s Shielding Support Service at gov.uk/coronavirus-shielding-support. If you need support to register, please call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)

 

Please note that the above guidance is slightly different to the guidance that was in place during the first lockdown in the spring. Specifically, if you live with other people and they aren’t clinically extremely vulnerable, they can still leave the house for the permitted reasons. You can read the latest guidance in full at gov.uk/coronavirus.

 

In addition to following lockdown guidance, it remains absolutely vital that you continue to follow public health advice which is:

  • Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds
  • Wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and busy outdoor spaces, unless exempt. When wearing a face covering, it should cover your nose and mouth 
  • Stay 2 meters apart from people you don’t live with, and please reduce indoor contacts to the lowest level possible
  • If you develop symptoms, self-isolate and get tested via nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Accessing support on a range of issues

 

If you’re struggling, please know that support is available. There’s a variety of information on our website – camden.gov.uk/coronavirus – or you can call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).

 

If you’re worried about your mental health

 

We know that many of our residents are having a difficult time at the moment. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or stressed, or worried about your mental health, please know that you’re not alone. Here’s a reminder of the mental health support that’s available for adults and young people in different situations:

  • Speak to your GP, visit icope.nhs.uk or phone 020 3317 6670  
  • Young people aged 11 to 18 can visit kooth.com for confidential online support, or go to the Camden Rise website.
  • If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, phone the 24-hour crisis line at St Pancras Hospital on 020 3317 6333
  • Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans are there to listen – call 116 123
  • Visit our website’s dedicated page to find out about more help available, including advice in other languages, a list of local and national services and tips aimed at helping people in different situations.

Accessing financial support

Accessing support if you’re at risk of domestic abuse or violence, or know someone who is

 

During lockdown residents are being asked to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Sadly, this means that many people may be at greater risk of being exposed to domestic abuse.

 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or you are worried about a friend or relative’s relationship, please know you are not alone and there is support available. Contact Camden Safety Net in confidence on 020 7974 2526, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or via email. In an emergency, call 999.

 

Local health services are still open and here for you

 

Please know that the NHS is still here for you during lockdown. If you’re worried about your mental or physical health, need to speak to your GP, or have a scheduled appointment coming up, please know that local health services and the NHS are open. Services are running in a COVID-safe way, which means extra precautions are in place to keep you safe. Services might look a bit different – for example, you might speak to somebody over the phone instead of face-to-face – but please don’t let that put you off accessing health advice, support or treatment. You can still contact your GP surgery or access advice via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

 

Staying in touch

 

We are continuing to regularly communicate with all of our residents via a range of different channels:

Lastly, if you don’t want to receive this kind of email again, please unsubscribe and you will be removed from the list.

 

Many thanks,

 

Camden Council