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 Monday 19 April 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.
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
Shielders were told to shield until 31 March. Letters to Shielders were sent out by mid-March.
Cohort Six is now being vaccinated. This group contains people at clinical risk, and carers. Advice on vaccines can be found here.
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.
This is the UK Government' page on coronavirus, which is updated often with key news and guidance
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.
Specific guidance by topic
Keeping safe and looking after yourself
Accessing NHS services and care