Guidance on Social Distancing and Protecting Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK and protecting older people and vulnerable adults

Background and scope of guidance

This guide is for everyone . Advises on social distancing measures we should all take to reduce social interaction between people to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is designed for use in situations where people live in their own homes, with or without the additional support of friends, family and carers. If you live in a residential care setting, specific guidance is available.

We advise those at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to be particularly strict in following social distancing measures.

This group includes those who are:

Age 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions).
Under 70 years of age with an underlying health condition listed below (i.e., anyone who receives the flu vaccine as an adult each year for medical reasons):
Chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or bronchitis.
Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure.
Chronic kidney disease.
Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis.
Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability, or cerebral palsy.
Diabetes
Problems with your spleen, for example sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed.
A weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medications such as steroids or chemotherapy.
Being severely overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more).
The pregnant ones.

Note: There are some clinical conditions that put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. For now, you should rigorously follow social distancing advice in its entirety, outlined below.

People who fall into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

People who received an organ transplant and continue to take ongoing immunosuppression medications.
People with cancer receiving active chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
People with blood or bone marrow cancers, such as leukemia, who are at any stage of treatment.
People with serious chest conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets).
People with serious diseases of the body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)

What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Avoid contact with anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include a high temperature and/or new, continuous cough.
Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, where possible.
Work from home, where possible. Your employer should help you do this. Please see the employer guide for more information.
Avoid large gatherings and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs.
Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Stay in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet and social media.
Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

Everyone should try to follow these measures as much as is pragmatic.

For people over the age of 70 , who have an underlying health condition, or are pregnant, we strongly recommend that you follow the above measures as much as you can and, if possible, significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family . This advice will likely be in place for a few weeks.

Hand washing and respiratory hygiene

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

Wash your hands more frequently: with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer when you get home or work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat, or handle food.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it into a container and wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The same guidance applies to the general population and those at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19). If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature and/or new, continuous cough), isolate at home for 7 days. You can find complete guidance during your stay at home.

How can I get assistance with food and medication if I am reducing my social contacts?

Ask family, friends and neighbors to support you and use online services. If this is not possible, then the public sector, businesses, charities and the general public are preparing to help those who are advised to stay at home. It is important to talk to others and ask them to help you arrange for the delivery of food, medicines and essential services and supplies, and take care of your physical and mental health and well-being.

If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example if you receive care through the local authority or healthcare system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take extra precautions to make sure you are protected. Formal carer counseling is included in the Home Care provision.

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

We advise everyone to access healthcare remotely, where possible.

However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, speak to your GP or doctor to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and consider whether appointments can be postponed.

What is the advice for visitors, including those who serve you?

You should contact your regular social visitors, such as friends and family, to let them know that you are reducing social contacts and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing, or preparing meals.

If you receive regular health or social care from an organisation, whether through your local authority or paid for yourself, tell your healthcare providers that you are reducing social contacts and agree a plan to continue your care.

If you receive essential care from friends or family, talk to your caregivers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your caregivers about what happens if one of them is unwell. If you need help with care but are not sure who to contact, or if you don’t have family or friends who can help you, you can contact your local council who should be able to help you.

How do you take care of your mental well-being?

Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating . You may feel that your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel depressed, worried or have trouble sleeping and you may miss being outside with other people.
At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behavior which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that can help keep you mentally and physically active during this time, such as:
Look for exercise ideas you can do at home on the official websites.
Spend time doing things you enjoy; This may include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies, or listening to the radio or watching television shows.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs.
Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or go outside into the garden.
You can also go for a walk outdoors if you stay more than 2 meters from others.

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Take advantage of any support you may have through your friends, family, and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you by phone, mail, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and incorporate it into your routine. This is also important to look after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.

Remember that it’s okay to share your concerns with other people you trust, and by doing so, you may end up providing support to them as well.

Tips for informal caregivers

If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable, there are some simple steps you can take to protect them and reduce their risk at the current time.
Be sure to follow good hygiene tips, such as:
Wash your hands upon arrival and frequently use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
Discard used tissues in the bin immediately and then wash your hands.
Do not visit anyone if they are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care.
Provide information about who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use the local coronavirus service online and leave the number in a prominent place.
Take care of your own well-being and physical health during this time.

Guidance on Social Distancing and Protecting Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Comprehensive guidance on implementing social distancing measures to reduce interpersonal interactions and curb the transmission of COVID-19, with a focus on protecting vulnerable populations from the virus.