As I don't know who to talk to about the following situation I thought I would contact you to find out what you felt about it. This morning I received an email from Tesco's (IN LARGE LETTERS) telling me that they had set up a special shopping hour for elderly and vulnerable people. Normally, I would welcome this but it is of no help now that we have all been told to stay at home and not go out. The help most of us need is to be able to order on line but still no slots available. Why Tesco's should send out messages such as above, when we have all been told not to go out, is beyond my understanding.
Tesco's: As I don't know who to talk to... - Lung Conditions C...
Tesco's
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Spanielblue
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It is all so difficult now. Things we took for granted are no more. No shopping slots here either. Our daughter is trying hard to get click and collect if she can. Pete is not recognised by Sainsbury’s as being vulnerable and I can’t get through to anyone by phone to change that.
I think Tesco just send out messages ad hoc.
Stay safe xxxxx
I have a dedicated vulnerable helpline that was on one of my e.mails
Try that one as may be different to the general one for sainburys.
I was recognised thank goodness for a slot and it was on one of the e.mails .
Its an 0800 number 052 5500.
Pete is def in need of this service.
Getting through may be an issue though ... good luck 💕x
Just tried but no joy. Such high volume of calls so have to call back later, doubt that will make any difference though.
Thank you anyway. Xxxx
Aw keep trying you never know .
All so stressful on top of illness
Stay safe 💕x
Hi Sassy have you looked online to see what retailers are delivering to your area you may be surprised as I was that some small shops and farms are delivering. I’ve found one near me in Notts and there first delivery available is Sunday ( much better than the supermarkets) fresh milk , bread, butter, fruit n veg. Good luck. There’s also a link in the gov info i sent Re supplies . Cx
Thanks Chris, yes I have looked but no joy. I’ll keep trying though but it’s not great around here.
Stay safe xxxx
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
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COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Public Health
England
Guidance
Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
Updated 24 March 2020
Contents
Background and scope of guidance
What do we mean by extremely vulnerable?
What you need to know
How do these measures differ from the social distancing guidance for vulnerable people issued?
Symptoms
What is shielding?
Handwashing and respiratory hygiene
What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
How can you get assistance with foods and medicines if you are shielding?
What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?
What is the advice for visitors, including those who are providing care for you?
What is the advice for informal carers who provide care for someone who is extremely vulnerable?
How do you look after your mental wellbeing?
What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?
What is the advice for people living in long-term care facilities, either for the elderly or persons with special needs?
What is the advice for parents and schools with extremely vulnerable children?
Background and scope of guidance
This guidance is for people, including children, who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) because of an underlying health condition, and for their family, friends and carers. It is intended for use in situations where the extremely vulnerable person is living in their own home, with or without additional support. This includes the extremely clinically vulnerable people living in long-term care facilities, either for the elderly or persons with special needs.
Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically extremely vulnerable by minimising all interaction between those who are extremely vulnerable and others. We are strongly advising people with serious underlying health conditions (listed below), which put them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19), to rigorously follow shielding measures in order to keep themselves safe.
What do we mean by extremely vulnerable?
People falling into this extremely vulnerable group include:
Solid organ transplant recipients.
People with specific cancers:
people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
people having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
people having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
people who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe COPD.
People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell).
People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.
Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired.
Shielding is for your personal protection. It is your choice to decide whether to follow the measures we advise. Individuals who have been given a prognosis of less than 6 months to live, and some others in special circumstances, could decide not to undertake shielding. This will be a deeply personal decision. We advise calling your GP or specialist to discuss this.
The NHS in England is directly contacting people with these conditions to provide further advice.
If you think you fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people listed above and you have not received a letter by Sunday 29 March 2020 or been contacted by your GP, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.
We understand this is an anxious time and people considered extremely vulnerable will understandably have questions and concerns. Plans are being readied to make sure you can rely on a wide range of help and support.
What you need to know
If you have an underlying health condition listed above, you are at very high risk of severe illness as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) requiring admission to hospital.
Shielding is a practice used to protect extremely vulnerable people from coming into contact with coronavirus.
You are 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. Please note that this period of time could change.
Visits from people who provide essential support to you such as healthcare, personal support with your daily needs or social care should continue, but carers and care workers must stay away if they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). You may find this guidance on home care provision useful. All people coming to your home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival to your house and often while they are there.
You should have an alternative list of people who can help you with your care if your main carer becomes unwell. You can also contact your local council for advice on how to access care.
If you think you have developed symptoms of COVID-19 such as a new, continuous cough or fever, seek clinical advice using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111. Do this as soon as you get symptoms.
If you have someone else living with you, they are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves. They should do what they can to support you in shielding and they should stringently follow guidance on social distancing, reducing their contact outside the home. If you care for but don’t actually live with someone who is extremely vulnerable, you should still stringently follow guidance on social distancing.
How do these measures differ from the social distancing guidance for vulnerable people issued?
You are 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 who are not clinically extremely vulnerable who have contracted coronavirus (COVID-19) and recovered will be able to go about their normal business. If you are in this group we strongly advise that you should remain at home at all times.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
new continuous cough and/or
high temperature (above 37.8 °C)
What is shielding?
Shielding is a measure to protect extremely vulnerable people by minimising interaction between those who are extremely vulnerable and others. This means that those who are extremely vulnerable should not leave their homes, and within their homes should minimise all non-essential contact with other members of their household. This is to protect those who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) from coming into contact with the virus.
If you think you have a condition which makes you extremely vulnerable or have received a letter from NHS England you are strongly advised to shield yourself, to reduce the chance of getting coronavirus (COVID-19) and follow the face-to-face distancing measures below.
The measures are:
Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
Do not leave your house.
Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.
Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.
Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.
We know that stopping these activities will be difficult. You should try to identify ways of staying in touch with others and participating in your normal activities remotely from your home. However, you must not participate in alternative activities if they involve any contact with other people.
This advice will be in place for at least 12 weeks from the day you receive your letter.
What should you do if you have someone else living with you?
While the rest of your household are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves, we would expect them to do what they can to support you in shielding and to stringently follow guidance on social distancing.
Minimise as much as possible the time other family members spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.
Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible. If you can, you should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Make sure you use separate towels from the other people in your house, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes.
If you do share a toilet and bathroom with others, it is important that they are cleaned after use every time (for example, wiping surfaces you have come into contact with). Another tip is to consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with you using the facilities first.
If you share a kitchen with others, avoid using it while they are present. If you can, you should take your meals back to your room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry the family’s used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly. If you are using your own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.
We understand that it will be difficult for some people to separate themselves from others at home. You should do your very best to follow this guidance and everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
If the rest of your household stringently follow advice on social distancing and minimise the risk of spreading the virus within the home by following the advice above, there is no need for them to also shield alongside you.
Handwashing and respiratory hygiene
There are general principles you should follow to help prevent the spread of airway and chest infections caused by respiratory viruses, including:
wash your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser. Do this after you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, and after you eat or handle food
avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin
clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home
What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature above 37.8 °C and/or new and continuous cough), seek clinical advice using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS111 if you don’t have internet access. In an emergency, call 999 if you are seriously ill. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital. Do this as soon as you get symptoms.
To help the NHS provide you with the best care if you need to go to hospital as a result of catching coronavirus, we ask that you prepare a single hospital bag. This should include your emergency contact, a list of the medications you take (including dose and frequency), any information on your planned care appointments and things you would need for an overnight stay (snacks, pyjamas, toothbrush, medication and so on). If you have an advanced care plan, please include that.
How can you get assistance with foods and medicines if you are shielding?
Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services. If this is not possible, then the public sector, business, charities and the general public are gearing up to help those advised to stay at home. Please discuss your daily needs during this period of staying at home with carers, family, friends, neighbours or local community groups to see how they can support you. Please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable to register for the support that you need. This includes help with food, shopping deliveries and additional care you might need.
The government is helping pharmacies to deliver prescriptions. Prescriptions will continue to cover the same length of time as usual. If you do not currently have your prescriptions collected or delivered, you can arrange this by:
Asking someone who can pick up your prescription from the local pharmacy (this is the best option, if possible).
Contacting your pharmacy to ask them to help you find a volunteer (who will have been ID checked) or deliver it to you.
You may also need to arrange for collection or delivery of hospital specialist medication that is prescribed to you by your hospital care team.
If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example, if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected. The advice for formal carers is included in the home care provision.
What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?
We advise everyone to access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible. However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP or specialist to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and determine which of these appointments are absolutely essential.
It is possible that your hospital may need to cancel or postpone some clinics and appointments. You should contact your hospital or clinic to confirm appointments.
What is the advice for visitors, including those who are providing care for you?
Contact regular visitors to your home, such as friends and family to let them know that you are shielding and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing or feeding.
If you receive regular health or social care from an organisation, either through your local authority or paid for by yourself, inform your care providers that you are shielding and agree a plan for continuing your care.
If you receive essential care from friends or family members, speak to your carers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe. You may find this guidance on home care provision useful.
Speak to your carers about backup plans for your care in case your main carer is unwell and needs to self-isolate. If you need help with care but you’re not sure who to contact, or if you do not have family or friends who can help you, you can contact your local council who will be able to help you and assess any social care needs you might have. Please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable to register for the support that you need.
What is the advice for informal carers who provide care for someone who is extremely vulnerable?
If you are caring for someone who is extremely vulnerable due to severe illness from COVID-19, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time. Ensure you follow advice on good hygiene:
only care that is essential should be provided
wash your hands on arrival and often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
do not visit or provide care if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care
provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111 online coronavirus service and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed
find out about different sources of support that could be used and accessing further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK
look after your own wellbeing and physical health during this time. Further information on this is available.
How do you look after your mental wellbeing?
Social isolation, reduction in physical activity, unpredictability and changes in routine can all contribute to increasing stress. Many people including those without existing mental health needs may feel anxious about this impact including support with daily living, ongoing care arrangements with health providers, support with medication and changes in their daily routines.
If you are receiving services for your mental health, learning disability or autism and are worried about the impact of isolation please contact your key worker or care coordinator or provider to review your care plan. If you have additional needs please contact your key worker or care coordinator to develop a safety or crisis plan.
Understandably, you may find that shielding and distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.
At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:
look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to favourite radio programmes or watching TV
try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
try spending time with the windows open to let in the fresh air, arranging space to sit and see a nice view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight, or get out into any private space, keeping at least 2 metres away from your neighbours and household members if you are sitting on your doorstep
Constantly watching the news can make you feel more worried. If you think it is affecting you, try to limit the time you spend watching, reading, or listening to media coverage of the outbreak. It may help to only check the news at set times or limit this to a couple of times a day.
Try to focus on the things you can control, such as your behaviour, who you speak to and who you get information from. Every Mind Matters provides simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please see the NHS mental health and wellbeing advice website for self-assessment, audio guides and tools that you can use. If you are still struggling after several weeks and it is affecting your daily life, please contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?
Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling if you want to.
Remember, it is okay to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them, too. Or you might want to try an NHS recommended helpline.
What is the advice for people living in long-term care facilities, either for the elderly or persons with special needs?
The advice also applies to extremely vulnerable persons living in long-term care facilities. Care providers should carefully discuss this advice with the families, carers and specialist doctors caring for such persons to ensure this guidance is strictly adhered to.
What is the advice for parents and schools with extremely vulnerable children?
The advice also applies to extremely vulnerable children in mainstream and special schools.
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Do you have friends or neighbours who could go to the early 'silver' slot for you Carole? Our friend Bernadette is going tomorrow to Sainsbury's early hour armed with a "To whom it concerns" email from me authorising her to get stuff for me as a vulnerable 74 year old with severe blah blah blah.
Our daughter would do that Jean. I’m hopeful we won’t starve. Now Pete is registered on Gov.uk he may be recognised by Sainsbury’s as a vulnerable person. I’m sure all will be well.
Stay safe and well xxxx
I have the same problem and sent them a message, even if a slot came for the click and collect is someone monitoring the 2 metre distance.
Even if we cannot get delivery of click and collect slot and risk the 9 am to 10am is someone monitoring the 2 metre distance for elderly and vulnerable.
gloves and mask if have to do the click and collect or 9-10am time.
we can go out for essential food observing distancing but for us its risky the 9am - 10am shop.
I looked at the Tesco site two or three days ago trying to book a slot and the box came up say something like 'If you want to register as vulnerable complete the box below this page'. When I scrolled down there was no box despite numerous tries.
I have shopped at Tesco for something like 60 years. When all this is over I shall remember Tesco and will remind everyone of these days. I'll also remember my friends and neighbours who are helping me now.
Spanielblue• in reply to
I found the same, Don, but thought it must be me. I did phone but there was nobody to talk to - just lots of recorded messages and then I got cut off. It appears impossible to email Tesco's too so nobody to ask about anything. I live in hope that something else will be arranged for us before long. You must have hope, mustn't you?
Morrison’s are offering next day delivery on food boxes. You cannot select what you want. You choose meat or vegetarian. They promise that the basics are covered. They cost £35.
Yes I saw that. They don’t deliver here though. Xxxxx
They’ve getting tnt or someone to deliver. Not their own drivers. Don’t know if that makes a difference.
• in reply tosassy59
Morrisons is a good old Northern company, I reckon I'll be doing all my Tesco shopping there when all this is over. 😁😘xx
Sorry to bother yous and to hi jack somebody else's questions butbjiw do you know if your put on shopping places as vulnerable person? I had the theft from the government also one from my gp.... but I havent about the shopping markets. Thanks in advance for any replies sorry again for hijacking.... God bless and stay safe xx
Hi Sammieshep20, in theory I believe that should happen but not in our case. Pete hadn’t had a letter as yet but has registered in the Gov.UK website as a vulnerable person. Sainsbury’s aren’t recognising him as one though.
It’s all up in the air at the moment but things are changing hopefully for the better.
Stay safe and well. Xxxx
Thank you sassy59, I've had text messages but I guess the letter is the one needed then. Hope everyone stays safe and thank you for replying
Maybe im misunderstanding the rules would that only be any good if your not confined to house and your own garden.
I know people are supposed to just go out to pick up essentials if not vulnerable but thought the vulnerable high risk were to go no further than house or garden so how is that any good if you live alone and high risk from severe copd etc
Click and collect is no good for very vulnerable too risky unless you can get someone to go for you.💕x
The computer has been programmed to send it and no one has thought to change it!
I use this on a Wednesday and is a great service for the nhs and elderly. I dont have anybody to get my shopping so need to go out and get it myself as there are no slots available for delivery. The government has said to stay at home except for essential shopping x
Well I for one are totally fed up with the supermarkets as we all know can’t get a slot even if classed as vulnerable.
I can’t physically get to supermarket and get shopping home.
I’m now getting concerned as cupboards are almost bare and can’t refill them, same with freezer.
On a more positive note there’s always Gin!
J
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