Coronavirus

At Disability Rights UK we are well aware that the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuing to cause great uncertainty and stress among our community. We will keep this page up to date with information and links to government and institutional guidance.

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Last updated Thursday 15 July 2021.

Current guidance
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the Coronavirus. It is highly infectious, and is not just 'flu'. People of all ages have died from it, and those that survive are taking a long time to recover. Some of us may not have any symptoms at all, but we can still pass it on to others. New 'variants' of the virus are emerging, and it looks like they are even more dangerous.

Read the latest information for shielders (CEV) people (issued 12 July 2021): Guidance for CEV people has been released

Read the latest on information on social distancing and meeting up with other people (issued in May  2021): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-friends-and-family-covid-19

Read the latest guidance on shielding (issued in May 2021): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

On Monday 22 February, the Prime Minister announced a 'Roadmap' out of lockdown. Life begins to open up more fully, in stages, from 12 April.

Details on this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021

Details on how care home residents can visit outside of care homes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrangements-for-visiting-out-of-the-care-home/visits-out-of-care-homes

and details of how to undertake care home visits can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visiting-care-homes-during-coronavirus

Advice on testing for Coronavirus for PAs can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-personal-assistants#webinars

Special Needs Jungle has produced a grab and go version of the back to school guidance for families with children in SEND settings.

The latest stage of the 'roadmap' was released on 10 May. Changes become effective on 17 May. You can read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-easing-of-covid-restrictions-confirmed-for-17-may

This is the UK Government' page on coronavirus, which is updated often with key news and guidance

National lockdown: Stay at Home - guidance on practical issues such as self-isolating, keeping safe and acess to services. 

Information on COVID-19 symptoms, what the virus does, and what to do if you think you may have it

Key updates:

Further guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable [21 March 2021]

If you are extremely vulnerable and need support or priority services, please register here

Vaccinations are helping but you will still need to keep safe and follow the guidelines. 

NHS guidance on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

You may be able to recieve a test and trace payment if you connot work from home but need to isolate. Apply here 

The most up to date care home visitation guidance is here. [12th Jan 2021]

Our guide to the previous update is written plainly and is much more easy to understand

Citizens Advice has also issued guidance for people needing practical help.

Citizens Advice also have a very useful page about acessing all health services at this time.

Specific Coronavirus guidance for Disabled people

This UK Government guidance on staying home and staying safe is available in alternative formats

Social welfare law updates from Rights net

Advice Local can help you find help locally to you

The Disability Unit in the Cabinet Office published a statement in relation to Coronavirus and disabled people.  This helps outline what you can expect from the government at this time.