If you think you might have coronavirus or you’ve been in close contact with someone who has it visit NHS Inform for advice. Information is also available from gov.scot – Coronavirus in Scotland.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
Helps to reduce your risk of developing coronavirus and makes your symptoms milder if you catch the virus – further information about the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Face Coverings
People must by law wear a face covering in shops and on public transport and public transport premises such as railway and bus stations and airports. This applies to open-air railway platforms, but not to bus stops.
Visit Scottish Government for further information
Well-being while staying at home
Taking care of your mind as well as your body is really important while staying at home because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Visit NHS Every Mind Matters for advice, practice advice and support groups.
If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, it’s important to get support.
Get urgent support now from Every Mind Matters
Keeping Active
To stay fit and healthy whilst at home, try the NHS Home workout videos.
Test and Protect
Test and Protect is Scotland’s way of putting into practice the test, trace, isolate, support strategy.
Covid Vaccination – Self Registration for Unpaid Carers
Unpaid carers who have not been identified through social security or GP systems are now able to register themselves for a coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination.
The new online service is for unpaid carers between the ages 16-64 who provide face-to-face care for a family member or friend who is affected by a disability, physical or mental health, developmental condition or substance misuse.
Please click on the following link to register: www.nhsinform.scot/carersregister
Scams advice during coronavirus outbreak
For Children
Actor Hugh Bonneville voices audio for Nosy Crow’s coronavirus book for children
Advice for patients with pre-existing conditions
- Macmillan – Cancer and coronavirus
- Asthma UK – What to do if you have asthma
- Blood Cancer UK – Information for people affected by blood cancer
- Diabetes UK – Coronavirus and diabetes
- Kidney Care UK – Guidance for patients with kidney disease
Support for the employed
Isolation Notes are available online from NHS 111, if you are self-isolating and need a note for your employer.
Support for self-employed
Guidance for people who are self-employed and getting less work or no work because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Covid 19 Lateral Flow Test Kits
You can order free packs of rapid lateral flow tests to be sent to your home. You can only use this service if
- you do not have coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms
- you’re 11 or older
- you have not been told to self isolate
- you cannot get tests from your work, school, college or university (ask them for rapid flow test kits)
Please follow this link to order your rapid lateral flow test: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Advice for Vulnerable Patients
- Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people
- How to get support for extremely critical vulnerable person
- Advice for people at higher risk – those who are 70 or older, are pregnant or have a condition that increases the risks from coronavirus.
- Pregnancy advice
Scotland of the Distress Brief Intervention service (DBI)
This gives people over the age of 16 who are in emotional distress the opportunity to speak to a member of trained staff from a voluntary organisation background about their problems. Supervised contact is offered within 24 hours of referral for up to 2 weeks.
Useful links
- National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
- Rape Crisis Scotland: 08088 010302
- NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 – If you’re worried about a child, even if you’re unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support
- Childline 0800 1111 – Offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry
- MIND: Mental Health Support with specific advice on “Coronavirus and your wellbeing”
- YoungMinds: Supporting children and young people and their parents/carers with their mental health and wellbeing. Specific advice on managing self-isolation and naxiety about Coronavirus
- ICON: Babies cry: You can cope
- SafeLives: Specific resources for domestic abuse and COVID
- Breathing Space: Open up when you’re feeling down. 0800 83 85 87
Recovering from COVID-19
Watch the video below to see how you can ease your recovery from a COVID-19 infection.
