Sandwell Council has made a commitment to support those in need of help during November following government national restrictions that have come into force this week.
Teams from across Sandwell Council are doing the necessary preparations to ensure the wellbeing of residents and making sure all systems are in place to provide support, if needed.
The government will contact clinically extremely vulnerable people (those who were previously shielding) to let them know how to apply for support, should it be needed.
Those identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable are being strongly urged to stay at home. The updated government guidance, which clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are strongly urged to follow, includes:
– Socialising: stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors to exercise or attend health appointments. People can exercise with those they live with or in their support bubble.
– Work: if people cannot work from home, they should not attend work. They may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme during this period of national measures. People in the same household who are not clinically extremely vulnerable can still attend work, in line with the new national restrictions.
– School: as evidence has shown there is a very low risk of children becoming very unwell from COVID-19, most children originally on the shielded patient list no longer need to be and therefore can still attend school. If they are unsure, parents should contact their child’s usual GP or hospital clinician to check whether they should still be considered clinically extremely vulnerable. If a GP or clinician has advised that a child should remain on the shielded patient list, they are advised not to attend school. Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, but aren’t themselves, should still attend school.
– going outside: avoid all non-essential travel – they should continue to travel to hospital and GP appointments unless told otherwise by their doctor. They are strongly advised not to go to any shops or to pharmacies.
Sandwell Council is liaising with the voluntary sector which will also help to deliver vital services and support to residents. These services will include helping people to access priority online shopping deliveries and putting residents in touch with organisations who can offer help and support.
Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “Behind the scenes we are preparing and looking at redeploying staff to services which will be critical to support those who most need our help.
“This is the second time we have had to undertake such an operation and despite being given less than 24 hours of notice from the government, we are prepared for this difficult time. It is a massive challenge which requires finance and resources as well as making sure we can get help to those who need it quickly.
“If you are able to, please help family, friends or neighbours by checking if they need any shopping or help – particularly those who live by themselves.
“We will do all we can and by working together with residents, our partners and the voluntary sector we will once again rise to the challenge.”
Further details on the government website for clinically vulnerable people.
Sandwell residents in need of extra support can register online.
