COVID-19 SHIELDING

Apr 14, 2020
Shielding is a measure to protect extremely vulnerable people from coming into contact with coronavirus by minimising all interaction between them and others. The benefit is that, by following the extremely stringent process of avoiding contact with others, this will minimise the chance of catching COVID-19.

This is a very challenging ask of people because of the negative physical, psychological and social consequences of self isolating themselves for such a long period of time.

Who Should Be Shielded?

Scottish Government has written to patients who are at the clnically highest risk of severe morbidity and mortality of COVID-19.  It does not include all people eligible for the flu vaccine, only a very specific sub-set considered to be at highest risk of severe illness and hospitalisation due to COVID-19.

All patients on the Shielding list are being contacted by the Shielding Team based within social work, telephone 01387 260600. They offer practical  assistance with the delivery of essential food and medication as well as signposting to financial support and other advice as required. Deliveries of food and medication is then undertaken by the Solutions Centre within the Council’s Community Services.

If you have not received a letter but feel you fall into the above category, please give the practice a call and we will be able to discuss the criteria further with you.

 

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