Updated 20.12.2021
Latest measures announced by the Government on 15th December are part of the latest Plan B of the UK’s national Winter Plan.
The measures include the following.
- From Friday 10th December 2021, wearing a face covering to most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas, shops and public transport – unless exempt.
- From Monday 13th December 2021, those who can should work from home.
- From Wednesday 15th December 2021, the NHS COVID pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather.
- As Omicron spreads in the community, the Government intends to introduce daily contact tests for contacts of confirmed Omicron cases instead of the 10-day isolation period.
Anyone with symptoms, including a new, continuous cough, loss or change in smell or taste or a high temperature, should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.
Vaccine appointments can also be booked across the borough by visiting the national booking system at: nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or calling: 119.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have made a list of questions we are most often asked. We will update these regularly.
Question: I’m worried about the relaxation of the rules. What should I do to keep safe?
Answer: We understand that people may feel worried about the changes to the restrictions. The Government’s full guidance is available at here. We will share links to any other guidance if things change.
Remember that you should still…
▪️ Wear a face covering when asked to
▪️ Take a test if you have any symptoms
▪️ Self isolate (this means stay at home away from others) if you are asked to
Question: Are there pop up vaccine clinics I can go to in Cheshire West?
Answer: Yes. We will share the place and time of pop up clinics on our Facebook page. You can also find the information for your area on your local council website.
Question: Can my Personal Assistant(s)(PA) get regular Covid 19 tests?
Answer: Yes.
Your PA(s) can now get a weekly Coronavirus (Covid19) test offered by NHS Test and Trace.
They will need to sign up to a webinar (online training) where they will get all the information they need to get their regular tests.
For more information and to sign up for the webinar go to the government website Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for personal assistants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For testing ,a personal assistant as someone who is directly employed by an individual (or self-employed) to provide care and support to enable them to live as independently as possible.
If the website isn’t working / there are no home test kits available please try again as soon as possible after 8am or 12pm when test kit allocations are refreshed.
If you’re having difficulties, call 119 between 7am and 11pm for assistance and say you’re a personal assistant (PA) or calling on behalf on your PA.
If your PA has to self isolate, they may be entitled to a payment of £500.
Links to advice on coronavirus
Below are links to general advice and information
These links are to information or support not managed by Disability Positive but may be useful:
Links and downloads
- Coronavirus overview – nhs.uk website
- National lockdown: Stay at Home – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Coronavirus Vaccines – nhs.uk website
- Reasonable adjustments for Covid vaccine for adults with autism – template
- Care plan for Covid vaccine for adults with autism -template
- Guidance on Covid-19 for people who receive a Direct Payment GOV.UK website
- Easy read guide to coronavirus
- Easy read guide to Coronavirus Vaccination
- Coronavirus: NHS Advice – nhs.uk website
- NHS Coronavirus 111 Service
- Coronavirus: latest information and advice – GOV.UK website
- Cheshire West and Chester Council Coronavirus information
- Cheshire West and Chester Council FAQs on Coronavirus
- Live Well Cheshire West and Chester – advice and information
- Cheshire East Council Coronavirus Information
- Lancashire County Council Coronavirus Information
- Bolton Council Coronavirus Information
- Advice on Coronavirus for carers from Carers UK
- Facebook support group ‘The Bunker’. This is a support group for disabled people who are self isolating and employ a personal assistant.
- Coping with Coronavirus Wordless books
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