Shielding, social distancing and self-isolation
Before coronavirus came into our lives, most of us probably have enver heard of the words; social distancing, self-isolation and shielding. We are here to help you with what they are and what they may mean for you.
What does it all mean?
| Term | What does it mean? | Who has to do it? |
| Social Distancing | It means limiting our contact with people outside of our household and taking precautions to stay safe when going out. All of us should try and stay at least 2 metres away from people outside of our household or support bubble. If this is not possible, ensure that you are taking extra precautions such as wearing a face mask and staying at least 1m away. | Everyone should be following social distancing measures. If you're over 70 or have existing health conditions you may want to take extra precautions, such as visiting places at times when they are less busy. |
| Self-isolation | It means avoiding contact with others and to not leave your home for any reason. |
You would need to self-isolate for the following:
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| Shielding | It means strictly reducing your movements and staying inside your home as much as possible. You can leave the house for exercise and to access medical appointments and care. | All those with particular health conditions who hav received a letter or call from their GP or NHS advising you to shield. |
Can I keep caring for someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable?
Yes! Under the new government guidance, caring for a vulnerable person is considered one of the essntial reasons that you can leave your home. To help keep you and the person you care for safe there are precautions you can take. Where close contact isn not necessary you should try to maintain a distance of at least 2 metres. Throughout your visit, take care to wash your hands regulary and wipe down surafaces as often as you can.
However, if you care for someone that's clinically extremely vulnerable and either of you develop symptoms of coronavirus, you shouldn't continue to visit, even to provide care. In case this happens, it is always good to have a plan b in place with an alternative plan of care.
How can I reduce my risk of catching coronavirus?
There are many measures that you should considered to decrese your risk of catching coronavirus:
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Wear a face covering whenever you're indoors in areas unless you are medically exempt.
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Wash your hands regulary, or use hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands.
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Maintain social distancing measures with those not in your household or support bubble.
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Minimise social interactions with those outside your household or support bubble.
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If someone in your household or support bubble has symptoms of coronavirus, you should try and stay away from them as much as possible and make sure surfaces are cleaned regulary.
How do I access additional support?
Throughout Hertfordshire there are many local charities that are here to support you if you are shielding at home:
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Age UK Hertfordshire's Information & Advice Service - if you need help with accessing benefits, help with housing options, sorting our your Lasting Powers of Attorney.
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Carers in Hertfordshire - provides advice, information and support to unpaid carers - people looking after someone who is elderly, disabled, has a physical or mental illness or who misuses drugs or alcohol.
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HertsHelp - advice on fudning your care or seeking help after hospital treatement.
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Hertfordshire Mind - provide opportunities for individuals to access support to enable them to recover from or live with mental ill health.
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Hertfordshire Independent Living Service - provide meals on wheels for peole in Hertfordshire.
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Herts Careline - provide a wide range of assistive technology services to residents across Hertfordshire including community alarms.
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Howard Cottage - provides accommodation for applicants with a need for affordable housing.
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POhWER - help people who, because of disability, illness, social exclusion and other challenges, find it difficult to express their views or get the support they need.
Self-isolation
To help stop the spread of coronavirus, it is important to self-isolate when required to do so - but when would you need to? Below we have outlined the reasons when you may need to self-isolate, what the rules are and how to claim money if you can't work due to self-isolation.
When would I need to self-isolate?
You would need to self-isolate if:
- you have any symptoms of coronavirus or are waiting for a coronavirus test result back.
- you've tested positive for coronavirus.
- someone in your household or support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive.
- you've been told you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive via the test and trace app.
- you arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk - visit .gov.uk for more information
What are the rules if I have to self-isolate?
If you are self-isolating you should not leave your home for the next 10 full days. This includes going to work, doing food shopping, or doing any form of exercise outside of your home. You should not have any visitors in your home, including friends and family. Anybody in your household should also self-isolate.
If you have any health appointments during this period, you'll need to contact the hopital or GP and let them know your situation. In most cases they will either re-arrange your appointment or, if possible, have it over the phone.
The only time you can have another person inside your home is if you have a carer. Carers can still come into your home, but you must let them know that you are self-isolating so they can take any precautions needed.
How do I work if I am in self-isolation?
If possible you should work from home. If you are unable to do this, and this means you won't earn any money, you might be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace Support Programme Scheme. To be eligable, you must:
- be employed or self-employed.
- be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result.
- have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and trace Scheme.
- be claiming at least one of the following benefits; Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit.