Eastleigh’s Local Response Centre (LRC) is still here to help those who are at risk of becoming severely ill from coronavirus.
While lockdown restrictions are being relaxed for many, people who are extremely vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) are still being strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact with others.
The LRC is already supporting over 1,300 vulnerable people, including more than 300 people who are designated ‘extremely vulnerable’, to stay home by putting them in touch with community volunteers who can arrange the delivery of essential supplies, like food and medicines.
‘Extremely vulnerable’ people
People who are ‘extremely vulnerable' have a specific medical condition which puts them at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The government is strongly advising them to carry on ‘shielding’ themselves by doing the following:
- Do not leave your home.
- Do not attend any gatherings, including gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.
- Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Government is advising people to shield until 30 June 2020 and is regularly monitoring this position.
‘Vulnerable’ people
A further group, described as ‘vulnerable’, also remain at increased risk to coronavirus. That includes people who are over 70, pregnant women and anyone instructed to get a flu jab each year on medical grounds.
They are advised to stay at home as much as possible and, if they do go out, to take particular care to minimise contact with people outside of their household.
Getting support
If you can shop for food and supplies online, please visit supermarket and retailer websites. Supermarkets have increased the availability of online delivery slots to help meet the increased demand.
Find out more about supermarket deliveries
If you are not able to order supplies yourself or get help from family and friends, the Local Response Centre can deliver essential supplies to you whether you are in the ‘vulnerable’ or ‘extremely vulnerable’ group. The Local Response Centre is also able to help those are self-isolating because they have symptoms, have tested positive or have been traced as a contact of someone who has tested positive.
Find out more about getting support
Maintaining good mental health
The LRC also has volunteers who you can chat to if you are self-isolating and could use someone to talk with - having someone on the end of the phone to have a friendly chat with can really help your wellbeing.
In addition to this, the Council has resources to help you maintain good mental and physical health at home.
Find out more about health and wellbeing at home