Where to go for government, health and care advice in the coronavirus crisis
This page is devoted to links for official and expert information for everyone with questions about specific health conditions and what we can and can’t do in the crisis.
We will be updating the page regularly as more advice becomes available.
Government advice and resources
The UK government offers advice and requirements primarily for England, while the Scottish and Welsh authorities may have different advice. At the moment (mid April 2020), all are issuing the same guidance.
The UK government is issuing updated guidance for all areas of life on a daily basis. You can find this at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Or you can sign up for government advice email alerts.
Scottish goverment advice on coronavirus
The Scottish National Well-being Hub includes help for families and individuals as well as care organisations
Advice on coronavirus in Wales
Protecting the extremely vulnerable at risk of severe illness
Shielding people at risk published by the Scottish government
Gov.uk Register for help for an extremely vulnerable person
Gov.uk Action plan for social care (15 April)
The UK Gov has also launched a WhatsApp chatbot service for information on topics such as coronavirus prevention and symptoms, the latest number of cases in the UK, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting. To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.
Health advice
Risk, symptoms and self-isolating from the NHS
Coronanxiety by Anxiety UK
Supporting those with dementia by Dementia UK and Dementia care during the Covid 19 pandemic from the Scottish Care Inspectorate
Coronavirus and multiple sclerosis, from the MS Trust, and help and support from the international Overcoming MS organisation.
Advice for those with cancer from the One Cancer Voice group of 19 cancer charities
For those with heart or circulatory conditions from Heart Matters, the magazine of the British Heart Foundation
Coronavirus and diabetes from Diabetes UK
Support for those with pancreatic cancer from Pancreatic Cancer UK
Telephone support for those with macular disease from the Macular Society
Hearing support services available from Action on Hearing Loss
Carers
Advice for carers on looking after your own health from CarersUK
Government advice issued to care homes
End of life
Guidance on care in the last stages of life from Hospice UK
Updates on deaths and funeral management from the National Association of Funeral Directors
Food shopping and deliveries
Many of the major supermarkets are instigating shopping hours intended for the old and vulnerable. These vary from organisation to organisation, so the best move is to visit their websites to find out more.
Many Post Offices are still open, providing essential services.
Staying at home
Keeping in touch, with and without internet access, by U3A (University of the 3rd Age)
Free, online boredom-busting resources from Chatterpack
