Patient Involvement & Support Manager Firebreak Top Tips & FAQs - Kidney Wales
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Patient Involvement & Support Manager

Firebreak Top Tips & FAQs

 

Lockdown Top Tips

  • Keep track of the current guidance! Check the latest guidance published by Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreakfrequently-asked-questions
  • In recognition of the emotional toll Coronavirus is having on people living alone,the First Minister for Wales has announced that adults living alone, including single parents, in areas under local restrictions are able to form a temporary bubble with another household in their local area.
  • Check the latest Coronavirus guidance for people with kidney disease from Kidney Care UK: https://www.kidneycareuk.org/news-andcampaigns/coronavirus-advice/ Or contact the Welsh kidney charities to have your questions answered.
  • If you are on the transplant waiting list, the Renal Association recommends speaking to your kidney doctor about whether you should continue to shield.  If you have had a transplant in the last three months, you should be shielding.
  • Always observe social distancing with those outside of your household – stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from others, indoors and outdoors.
  • Meeting anyone outside of your household (or approved extended household for adults living alone) indoors or outdoors is prohibited during the firebreak.  You must not meet up with anyone you do not live with, except in very limited circumstances such as providing or receiving care.
  • Wear your #Distance Aware badge with pride! Politely let people around you know that you’d like a social distance to be respected.
  • Wear a face covering – it is now a requirement on public transport and in shops and other indoor public places.
  • For people who have been shielding, utilise priority shopping slots for supermarkets, shop at quieter times of day or ask family or friends to help you. 10.Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water regularly and use hand sanitiser where hand washing facilities are not available.  Avoid touching surfaces that have been touched by others.

 

Firebreak FAQ’s

  • When can I leave my house? – The Welsh Government have introduced the fire breaker lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus. You can leave your house only to buy essential food, collect medication, receive health care, provide care or for exercise. For more detailed advice please check out the Welsh Government FAQs https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions

 

  • Who can I see? – During this lockdown we are being asked not to visit people outside of our household or arrange to meet outdoors. The exception is single parent households and those who live alone. They will be allowed to meet with one household they do not live with, this must be the same household and ideally as local as possible.

 

  • Who will be receiving letters from the Chief Medical Officer? Letters will be sent to those who are extremely vulnerable and were previously shielding. This letter contains the latest advice for these individual people on how to best protect themselves. Read more about it here

 

  • I was shielding previously, should I go to work if I cannot work from home? – Employers are under a duty to take all reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus. Which means if you cannot work from home you should still be able to go to work. Speak to your employer about what actions they have taken to ensure employee safety and tell them if you have any concerns. You can get advice on your specific situation and your employment rights by visiting the Acas website (https://www.acas.org.uk/)

 

 

  • Can I exercise ? – Yes, Although Gyms and other indoor leisure centres will be closed, we are still being encourage to exercise. Unlike the first national lockdown we are not being limited to how many times a day we can exercise. We can run, jog, walk and cycle. The new guidance says exercise must start and finish at your front door. We cannot exercise with people outside of our households and should avoid high risk activities.

 

  • Is public transport still running? – Yes, but there will be a reduced service. They will continue to operate at peak times for essential travel. Taxis will also continue to operate but these should only be used for essential travel. For more information and guidance please visit https://gov.wales/travelling-safely-coronavirus-guidance-public

 

If you have questions or need guidance please contact our Patient Information & Support Manager, Brett Dowds.  E-mail [email protected]