We understand that with the announcement of a new lockdown there are going to be a number of patients concerned about the situation, especially those in very vulnerable risk groups and also those with children attending educational settings. The current government advice about high risk groups is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november?fbclid=IwAR0OsCbhTnkVGFeGtr03JVsOM0PXm98qTvg3nk_E1P2M2TZepAR4ANCmHtk#protecting-people-more-at-risk-from-coronavirus Further publication is due Monday, and the Government will be writing directly to affected patients.
We understand and sympathise with the concerns around children attending school at this time, especially if a household has extremely vulnerable members. As a practice we are unable to make decisions about children attending school and we would suggest a discussion with the school to decide on the best course of action.
The GPs at the surgery have no additional information above and beyond this and are unable to help with requests for sick notes or other letters in such circumstances.
SHIELDING
In relation to shielding, everyone who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable will previously have received a letter from the NHS telling them this. You may have been advised to shield in the past. Whilst shielding is no longer in effect, any patients who were previously identified as clinically extremely vulnerable, or those age 70 years or over should continue to maintain strict social distancing, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
Try to keep the number of social interactions that you have low. The fewer social interactions you have, the lower your risk of catching COVID-19. Continue to observe strict social distancing with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. The more you socially distance from others, the less likely you are to catch COVID-19.
Patients wishing to work from home need to discuss this with their employers. The practice is unable to write letters to give to employers.
