Things are changing regarding Covid care... - NRAS

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Things are changing regarding Covid care...

Moomin8 profile image
32 Replies

'New plan for living with Covid to be set out this week

Prime Minister expected to confirm all regulations that restrict public freedoms will be repealed

Vaccines and other pharmaceutical interventions will continue as first line of defence

All remaining domestic covid regulations that restrict public freedoms are expected to end this week as part of the Living with Covid Plan.

Removing regulations and requirements while emphasising public health advice, in line with long standing methods of managing a range of infectious diseases

Protecting the vulnerable through pharmaceutical interventions and testing, in line with other viruses

Maintaining resilience against future variants with ongoing surveillance capabilities

Securing innovations and opportunities from the Covid response'

I'm just hoping that we are going to be looked after...🤞

I do understand that we can't go on as we are, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned.

gov.uk/government/news/prim...

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Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8
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32 Replies
Runrig01 profile image
Runrig01

I agree, we do have to accept life goes on. However there is never any thought from Boris & co regarding immunosuppressed. Apparently the JCVI support another booster to those immunosuppressed and a decision is expected from government in a few weeks.

independent.co.uk/news/heal...

Also the MP Kate Osborne has written to the Prime Minister with her concerns, she is also immunosuppressed. Here’s a copy of her letter.

mobile.twitter.com/KateOsbo...

So we have to hope that Boris takes note, and starts including us in his plan, although I wouldn’t hold my breath 🤗

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Runrig01

Great response Maureengibson 👍 I concur with all that you said.

Thanks for posting the very informative links - let's hope we don't get lost in all this.

I have found, however, that even with good intentions, the actions aren't very joined-up: not all of us received a letter confirming our eligibility to receive the treatment needed when we inevitably had Covid!

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Runrig01

Sadly your first link says the page has been removed.

But as we know…if Boris’ plan is as Draconian as it is thought to be ……we shall really just have to carry on as we have been…taking care & not get so stressed we make our own conditions worse.

From reports available the virus spread does seem to be easing…so let’s try to be optimistic ….& look forward to hearing some better news from the scientists very soon.

Runrig01 profile image
Runrig01 in reply to AgedCrone

How strange I’ve just clicked the link and it still takes me to the article in the independent. It basically just says the JCVI have made the decision and passed it to the ministers to approve. Whitehall say they should announce in a few weeks. Yes I do what I feel is safe fir me and ignore Boris. I’m not sure the numbers are accurate anymore, now that you don’t need to do PCRs unless you have symptoms. Many testing positive on LFTs won’t be recording them on the government site. I think for data ONS and Zoe are better, but I try not to focus too much on it all these days, and try and feel some normality. May even consider travelling by train soon to visit my mum and sister in Scotland. Take care 🤗

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Runrig01

You too..I have been in & out getting soaked all weekend….so Covid won’t stand a chance…I’ll have washed it away! ☔️I read Zoe’s figures…at month end they seem more consistent with what is really happening.Did I dream it…or are they having to stop their PCR tests?

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to AgedCrone

Yes...I can see! Weird 🤪

Gottaloveastaffy profile image
Gottaloveastaffy

Reckon we just have to continue to be careful and look out for ourselves All seems a bit odd really that we’ve had all of this and now everything is just going back as it was 🤷🏻‍♀️ I guess they believe it to all be under control x I have no idea what to think really and wil be anti backing and wearing my mask in shops and crowded places still and choosing where and who I mix with x. I don’t think we can do much else xx

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Gottaloveastaffy

Yes, I agree - we need to make our own choices there.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Gottaloveastaffy

You are right..that is all we can do….there is nothing more we can do except stop worrying…because that just makes us feel worse. We can control our own lives…so let’s do it. …..& keep safe.

I find the language choice problematic, “restrict public freedoms” gives ammunition to anti-maskers/ vaxxers. Caring and thinking about others is totally thrown out of the window. Strange world we live in.

news.sky.com/story/covid-se...

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to

Unfortunately you can’t force people what to think …I’m sure a lot of people who are saying nothing are being careful for themselves..& the anti vaxxers seem to be quietening down….because the majority of people are getting vaccinated.After all..if everyone looks after themselves& their family…we are moving in the right direction.

in reply to AgedCrone

Unfortunately if free PCR tests go, people with caring responsibilities/ family will have to pay to care. As we all know, carers are usually unpaid or on minimum wage.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to

We all individually have to decide how to proceed …..£2billion a month for testing is completely unsustainable………the social care budget is already stretched to its limit …. Surely it is better to free up money to go towards as you say ……carers and those needing care…… not just to test the worried well ….. Who are capable of contacting their GP or 119 should they have any Covid symptoms?

Whitegate profile image
Whitegate in reply to AgedCrone

£2billion. That is another lie.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Whitegate

That is the figure mention in reports…but whatever the cost..it’s too much to pander to those who don’t need to test…. just because it’s free at point of uptake.As we are just hearing - the vulnerable & elderly will still have free access, which should keep both groups safe.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGal in reply to Whitegate

What makes you say that? With all the rentals of clinics and additional staffing, I imagine it's pretty close

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to HappykindaGal

Yes there must be a saving if only say 1 million are going to be tested for free? The Gov will not going to leave all the clinics open …...but then if there are going to be numbers 4, 5 & 6 vaccines coming later in the year. Who knows?

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGal in reply to AgedCrone

I think it’s PCR tests that will be expensive. Premises leases, staff and laboratory costs.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to HappykindaGal

At my hospital on weekends they rent space in the garage of a company along the road.There is a table in the corner with all the testing kits set up …..two nurses shivering…. & you just drive in, get swabbed sitting in your car…..and off you go….. so I don’t think that’s going to be costing very much.

Yes lab costs have to be added…but surely there will be a huge drop in numbers?

Also even the elderly & the vulnerable are going to be advised not to test every day or even every other day as some have been doing …we have got to learn to live with the virus & wean off too regular testing…because I wouldn’t mind betting this time next year we will only get free testing if we have symptoms.

But let’s hope in February 2023……most of us we will be able to forget the last couple of years…except those who have lost loved ones who will never forget.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGal in reply to AgedCrone

I think you'll be surprised how much renting space is. Particularly car parks

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to HappykindaGal

It’s only the staff car park…& I wouldn’t be surprised if they get it free.

3LittleBirds2 profile image
3LittleBirds2

Hi, I read this last night also, I guess we knew it was happening.

I received a letter yesterday, inviting me for a 4th booster probably because I had Rituxumab in December (7th and 21st) and the system has been updated, probably explains why I did not receive the PCR Kit and anti virals letter at Xmas time as according to the systems I was not immune suppressed which I wasn't as no drug had been admistered when they must have done their sweeps for the eligibility.

I have to admit I was surprised it arrived but good to know the systems are updating and maybe linked to the imminent announcement about the rules changing.

I still don't know enough about the effect of the booster I had with Rituxumab, but will leave that to my Rheumatologist to hopefully explain and carry on being careful like I have been.

Thanks for posting. 😀

smilelines profile image
smilelines

In Canada I was told to take the rapid test at home, if it is positive that I need to book a provincial test, and if it is positive then I would qualify for some sort of special immunotherapy. This has to be done within five days of the first symptom. Does anyone else get miffed by healthy people constantly worrying about getting covid? 🤔

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to smilelines

Sounds very similar to England. However, it's difficult to get all of that into 5 days - for me it was, anyway. I do wish there were more advisors who actually have the conditions which healthy people advise on. - yes.

smilelines profile image
smilelines in reply to Moomin8

Yes. My doctor said he has a patient in ICU that did not hear back about the special treatment in time. His patient contacted them day two of symptoms. Heard nothing. Got super sick.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to smilelines

😲 That is such a worry 😟

Sheila_G profile image
Sheila_G

It is ironic that they talk about ending regulation that restrict peoples freedom when I think my freedom will be restricted even more after thursday.

Knip profile image
Knip

Moomin, I'm with you 100%. I think the most naive notion of all is that Boris is relying on individuals 'being responisble' and not going out if they have Covid!

Angjoplin profile image
Angjoplin

I have been waiting 12 months for a knee replacement.Last time I spoke to the hospital a couple of weeks ago she said that they were fill with covid patients and they had not restarted surgeries yet.

I can only see this getting worse. The hospitals will continue to be full. Me and 6 million others on the waiting list will never get our operations.

I won't die for lack of a knee replacement. Other people waiting will.

This ending of all restrictions is nothing but operation save big dog.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Angjoplin

I agree, sadly 😥

in reply to Angjoplin

The billions going to ‘mates’ rather than the NHS is the scandal everyone seems to ignore. There is more than enough money for everything; it’s about choice. We are a wealthy nation.

The NHS is in tatters, but the blame goes elsewhere, rather than aimed at the ones who have the power to redress 🤬. A friend of mine has been in bits for a year waiting on a biopsy. Chemo has been ‘shut’ in some hospitals … it’s really scary.

Angjoplin profile image
Angjoplin in reply to

I think this goverment wants the sick, disabled and poor to just die. What use are you if your not a productive member of the capitalist machine. 5th richest nation and more food banks than macdonalds.

😢

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