COVID-19 INFORMATION AND BEHÇET’S (AS AT 18TH feb 2021)

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A number of our patients are finding themselves in situations where they have an urgent need for support.

If you do find yourself in this position, there are various things you can do to try and get help.

There are many local organisations being set up to support the most vulnerable and more are being set up all the time. 

The following list should help you get started on where to look but please contact your Support Coordinator if you are struggling to find help or the right contact details.

· On Facebook search for your local area and ‘COVID-19’ which should give you lists of local support groups. 

· Local Councils are also starting to co-ordinate support efforts so please look for their pages online, or ring them to find out more. 

· The elected local Councillor for your Ward should be able to point you in the right direction for local support.

· Social Services in your area may also be able to help the most vulnerable.

· Your local Food Bank

· The NHS is also currently recruiting volunteers to help support the most vulnerable.

· Many smaller independent suppliers around the country such as farm shops and zero waste grocery stores are setting up home delivery or systems of order and collect so it is worth keeping an eye on their Facebook pages or ringing to check what services they might be offering.

BASICS TO PREVENT THE VIRUS SPREADING

The Do's and Don'ts to prevent spreading and catching the virus:

• DO use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• DO wash your hands as soon as you get back home
• DO cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• DO put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• DON’T touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

NHS ADVICE ON HAND-WASHING

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

Other useful links including cooking on a limited food supply, please see our "Living Well" page:

• https://behcetspatients.org.uk/living-well

 WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHIELDING, SELF-ISOLATION AND SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Shielding, self-isolation and social distancing are very important in order to protect yourselves and others from Coronavirus. What are they, and which should you be doing?  

Social distancing is about significantly limiting face-to-face contact if you can and making sure that essential visitors (such as health care services, carers or family members) follow hand-washing and hygiene advice scrupulously. They should not visit you if you are unwell but make other arrangements for your care. You can go outside for a walk to the park or into your garden if you stay more than 3 steps (2 metres) from others.

Self-isolation is the most effective way of preventing Coronavirus spreading. Government advice is to self-isolate if you have any Coronavirus symptoms, might have been exposed to it, or live with someone with symptoms.

• Staying at home and not going out. Do not leave your home to walk (such as in a park) or to visit schools or other public places. You can go into your garden if you have one.
• Staying away from other people in your home. Try to keep at least 3 steps (2 metres) away from others, particularly people over 70 or with a long-term condition
• Sleeping alone if you can
• Not having any visitors. Ask people to leave deliveries for you outside.

Shielding is similar to self-isolating, but for longer, and is for people who are deemed extremely vulnerable due to a specific health condition.

• Shielding is a way to protect people who are extremely vulnerable from coming into contact with Coronavirus by minimising all interaction between them and other people.
• They are strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks. This period of time may change.
• They should self-isolate. People who provide essential support, such as health care, personal support for daily needs and social care should continue to visit. But carers must stay away if they have any symptoms of Coronavirus.

For many of us, staying at home and minimising contact with our friends and family will be very difficult. It's important that even though you need to be physically apart, you stay connected with friends and family over the phone or on social media.