As the country moves into step four of the easing of lockdown, the government is asking people to take personal responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe from infection. Face coverings will no longer be required by law, but the government said it "expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport".

Social distancing

• No limits on how many people can meet
• 1m-plus guidance removed (Covid measures will remain in place in health care settings across England)
• Face coverings no longer required by law, although the government still "expects and recommends" them in crowded and enclosed spaces
• Some shops and transport operators will still require masks

Events and gatherings

• Nightclubs can reopen
• Pubs and restaurants no longer table-service only
• No limits on guests at weddings and funerals
• No limits on people attending concerts, theatres or sports events
• No restrictions on communal worship

Travel

• Guidance recommending against travel to amber list countries removed

 Other changes

• Limits on visitors to care homes will be removed
• People working from home will be encouraged to gradually return to the workplace

From the 16th August:

• Most Covid restrictions in schools - including "bubbles" - will end.
• Fully vaccinated adults will not need to self-isolate after contact with a positive case

Shielding

Shielding for the clinically extreme vunerable ended on the 1st April 2021. As restrictions have been eased following the move to Step 4 of the roadmap, the government are advising clinically extremely vulnerable people, as a minimum, to follow the same guidance as everyone else, however, they may want to take extra measures “when Covid-19 disease levels in the general community are high”.

The guidance suggests vulnerable people:

• Consider the risk of meeting up if Covid levels are high in the general community
• Continue social distancing if it feels appropriate. Meet outside wherever possible and when meeting indoors ensure spaces are ventilated
• Ask friends and family to take lateral flow tests before visiting you
• Wash hands regularly and avoiding face-touching
• Consider whether you and those you are meeting have been vaccinated – you might want to wait until 14 days after your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before being in close contact with others

Covid Vaccination

For more information on the Covid vaccine click HERE to go to the NHS webpage.

If you are a carer and not had your first vaccination yet, please contact your GP surgery to register as a carer and arrange an appointment.

WAC have co-produced with Herefordshire & Worcestershire CCG an information leaflet regarding vaccinations for those with a learning disability and their family carers. Click HERE to read.

Vaccine update: 19th July 2021

• Over 46 million people have now received their first dose of the vaccine; over 36 million have recieved both doses.
• Everyone aged 18 and over can get the Covid vaccine. You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy now, or wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service. To book your vaccination, or manage your appointments click HERE

Contacting Worcestershire Association of Carers

You can continue to contact us in various ways:

• Our telephone helpline (0300 012 4272) is available from 9:00am - 7:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am - 12:00pm on Saturday.  Please do get in touch if you need any information or support
• Our live web chat is also available from 9:00am - 7:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am - 12:00pm on Saturday. Go to any web page and click online in the bottom right hand corner.
• We’ll do our best to keep in touch with carers via phone, social media, including Facebook and Twitter
• You can email us at [email protected] 

We hope to be able to make sure that we keep in touch with carers who usually attend our monthly groups, and encourage group members to stay in contact with each other

• We are running a variety of online information, wellness and coffee break sessions for carers (you will need a computer or smart phone to access the sessions) 
• We’ll still be publishing Caring News, our magazine for carers. Our latest edition is available HERE.

Additional help:

For support from Worcestershire County Council Here2Help or Social Care call 01905 786053 (Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm) or visit http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

The NHS Responder Scheme can be contacted on 0808 196 3646 to make a referral for anyone you care for or to seek support for yourself.

What do I do if I care for someone and I need to self-isolate?

If you are providing essential care, it is vital to stop and self-isolate if you start having symptoms of COVID-19 – these include a loss of smell and taste or the more commonly known symptoms of a persistent cough or fever.

If you are notified that you have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for coronavirus by the NHS Test and Trace system: 

• you must self-isolate for 10 days
• follow the advice in this guidance.

If you have to self isolate and are using a care service, let your care service provider know and they will discuss how best they can support you through this period.

If you are self isolating and would usually provide care, or if you support someone you don’t live with, and feel that alternative provision is required, please contact the Adult Social Care Access Centre on 01905 768053. Please be clear what support is needed.

If you are worried that you or someone you look after may be at risk, NHS 111 can offer direct guidance through their online coronavirus helpline. Call 111 if your (or their) symptoms become severe, and let them know you are a carer.

Emergency Planning

Have you thought about what you might do if you become ill? Planning for emergencies will give you and the person you care for peace of mind, knowing that back up support can be put place in case you need it. Click HERE for more information.

Further Information:

Updated advice and information for unpaid Carers has been released from the Government. Please visit Govt info for unpaid Carers

Updated advice and FAQs on the most recent update can be found HERE

If you would like more information about Coronavirus and your caring role please visit CARERS UK Coronavirus Guidance

If you would like to read more about NHS guidance please visit NHS guidance on Coronavirus