Here at Carelink24, we have been working hard throughout the pandemic to make sure all our customers continue to receive the excellent service they deserve. We will keep updating this article as news about the virus emerges. However, you can be assured that your Carelink alarm service will not be affected by the pandemic in any way. We are taking every precaution to keep our Care Team and all our alarm users safe.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is actually the name for a group of viruses. COVID-19 is the illness caused by the specific type of coronavirus which spread throughout the world in 2020.
Most people who get COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms including fever, coughing, and a loss of smell or taste. However, some people in vulnerable groups are at a higher risk of severe illness.
Who is most at risk from Coronavirus?
People at higher risk from coronavirus fall into one of two categories: clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable.
Clinically vulnerable people include:
- – People aged 70 or over
- – Those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, heart failure, diabetes, kidney or liver disease.
- – People with conditions affecting the brain or nerves e.g. Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- – Anyone who is pregnant
Clinically extremely vulnerable people include:
- – Anyone who has had an organ transplant
- – People receiving chemotherapy or intense radiotherapy
- – People who have certain cancers including leukaemia
- – Anyone with a severe lung condition like cystic fibrosis
- – Anyone who is pregnant and has a serious heart condition
For a full list of vulnerable groups, see the NHS website.
Everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable should have received a letter from the NHS.
What should I do?
The most important thing you can do is to stay at home as much as possible. In particular, you should avoid contact with people who do not live in your household. When you leave the house, maintain a social distance of 2 metres from people you do not live with. You should also wear a face mask or face covering in all public places like supermarkets, banks, and public transport. Face masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. In addition, you should wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, you should use hand sanitiser instead.
You should also avoid touching your face before washing your hands. You should cough into the crook of your elbow and use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze.
What are the latest lockdown rules?
As you will no doubt be aware, there are important restrictions in place across the UK. Rules vary from country to country. However, in general, you should minimise contact with anybody who does not live in your household and maintain social distance from these people at all times.
Click on your country to read the current restrictions:
- – England
- – Wales
- – Scotland
- – Northern Ireland
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have a new, continuous cough, a fever, or a change to your sense of taste or smell, everyone in your household should self-isolate immediately for at least 10 days. You should request a coronavirus test on the NHS website. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy, or hospital unless you are instructed to do so. Try to stay as far away from other members of your household as possible.
If you live with someone who is starting to show symptoms of COVID-19, you should also self-isolate at home for at least 10 days.
How Carelink24 can help
It goes without saying that this is a very concerning time. If you are worried about your health and wellbeing during this crisis, a Carelink alarm can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. Our 24-hour Care Team can give you advice and help you find the right information.
Furthermore, as we all spend more and more time in our homes, some older people might be worried about falls. If you or someone you know lives alone, you might feel worried about falling with nobody around to help. A Carelink alarm means you can call for assistance with the touch of a button at any time of the day or night. For more information, see our Carelink guide or call us on 0800 0076 247.
Updated 05/01/2021.
