COVID-19 is an infectious disease which emerged at the end of 2019. Since then, it has spread across the world, with more than 85 million cases so far. The UK has been in varying states of lockdown and local restrictions since March 2020. However, here at Careline365, we have maintained our usual service throughout the coronavirus crisis.
We want to assure all our alarm users and their families that the Careline alarm service will continue to operate as normal throughout these uncertain times.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a highly infectious virus, which causes COVID-19. Symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, and a loss of taste/smell. Anyone can catch the virus, but it poses the biggest risks to older people and those with certain underlying conditions. For a full list of vulnerable groups, see the NHS website. If you contract the virus, you may not notice symptoms for several days. That’s why it is important for us all to stay at home as much as possible.
The virus was thought to have started in Wuhan, China in late 2019. Since then, it has spread to other countries, becoming particularly prevalent in the United States and the UK. The virus entered the UK in early 2020. Since then, the whole country has been affected, with more than 2.7 million cases and over 75,000 deaths (05.01.21). The first vaccines were recently approved for general use and should be widely available in 2021. In the meantime, it’s important to keep ourselves as safe as possible. The best way to protect yourself is by staying at home and avoiding contact with people outside your household.
Current Coronavirus Restrictions
With the rules and restrictions constantly changing, it can be difficult to know what you are and aren’t allowed to do. Here are the current rules in the UK (as of 10.05.2021).
England
England entered a third national lockdown on 5 January 2021, scheduled to last six weeks. Previously, a tier system of local restrictions was in place throughout the country. You can find details of the current restrictions, including acceptable reasons for leaving your home, on the government website.
Wales
Wales is currently in at Alert Level 3. You should work from home if you can and avoid leaving your house wherever possible. To see the rules in full, click here to go to the gov.wales website.
Scotland
Mainland Scotland moved is in level 3 restrictions. You can see the current level of restrictions in your area on the gov.scot website.
The Scottish government website also has a full list of rules at every level of restriction.
Northern Ireland
After a recent circuit-breaker lockdown, new restrictions came into effect in Northern Ireland on 26 December. You can find out what these restrictions mean for you on the NI Direct website.
See a full list of restrictions on the NI Direct website.
What can I do?
The best advice would be to stay at home as much as possible. Wear a face mask over your nose and mouth whenever you are in an enclosed space with people from outside of your household. Make sure you catch any coughs or sneezes in a tissue and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching your face where possible. If you notice any symptoms of coronavirus, such as a fever, cough, or change to your sense of taste/smell, self-isolate immediately. You should book a free coronavirus test as soon as possible. If you notice any symptoms, all other members of your household must also self-isolate immediately.
Nearly all of our customers here at Careline365 qualify for VAT exemption by having a long-term health condition. These people are often the most vulnerable to coronavirus. If you are aged over 70 or if you have a medical condition which might put you in the high-risk category, it is important to stay at home. This is where we might be able to help.
Stay Safe at Home
This is the worst public-health crisis many of us have ever seen. The NHS is at risk of being overwhelmed. Therefore, we can all do our bit by staying safe at home and reducing the spread of the virus.
It goes without saying that these are distressing times for all of us. We all want to support our elderly loved ones, especially those who live alone. A Careline Alarm may be able to help those who are concerned about coronavirus. All of our alarm users can call for help whenever they need it with just the touch of a button. Our expertly trained Care Team operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep alarm users safe and independent at home.
Whenever an alarm user presses their button to call for help, our Care Team will respond straight away. They will reassure the user and ask a few questions about the situation. We will then call the user’s emergency contacts to come and assist them. If it’s a medical emergency, we’ll also call for an ambulance. With Careline365, you and your elderly loved ones can enjoy peace of mind in these uncertain times.
Since the pandemic began, we have worked very hard to keep our staff and our alarm users safe. The Careline alarm service will continue to operate as normal throughout the crisis.
If you are over 70 or have a health condition, please listen to Government advice and self-isolate in your home. If you feel a Careline Alarm Plan could help you during this difficult time, please call our friendly team today on 0808 304 4510.
Updated 10/05/21.
