Covid-19
During this difficult time, it’s important to know what support is available to our carer and those you look after.
If you are worried that you or someone you look after may be at high risk from coronavirus, 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.
This page sets out the current government guidance as it relates to carers and offers suggestions for ways to protect yourself and those you care for.
What is the latest advice for unpaid carers?
If you are caring for someone who is deemed to be extremely vulnerable, take extra precautionary measures by only providing essential care and ensure you follow the NHS hygiene advice for people at higher risk (or NHS Inform in Scotland).
The gov.uk page: ‘If you or the person you care for has symptoms’ offers advice for people with different types of clinical vulnerability to COVID-19. For clarity on the latest shielding advice, see our keeping safe page.
If you are providing essential care
You can continue to visit someone who is reliant on you for care – ensuring you are taking careful measures such as frequent hand-washing and cleaning, whilst minimising contact where possible.
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 (or ‘Test and Protect’ in Scotland):
- you must self-isolate for 14 days
- follow the advice in this guidance or this guidance (in Scotland).
To find out what to do if you or someone you care for has symptoms, follow this NHS guidance / NHS Inform in Scotland. For more details on arranging alternative care, see our guidance on making a plan.
Those who live alone or in a single adult household may benefit from a ‘support bubble’/ ‘extended household’. You can find out whether this applies to you or someone you care for here.
Getting tested
No matter where you are based in the UK, if you have symptoms of coronavirus you can request a test for yourself, to see if you have the virus, or on behalf of someone you care for – see this NHS page for more details. In England and Scotland, you can also be prioritised for testing as a recognised key worker if you are an unpaid carer.
What other protective measures can you take?
All governments across the UK advise the public to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces, where you may be more likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet. In England and Scotland, use of face coverings is now compulsory on public transport (and for all hospital staff and visitors in England).
Exemptions for the use of face coverings do apply if you have certain health conditions or disabilities, where wearing one causes problems. These also apply to children under the age of 11 (or 5 in Scotland).
