As the national Government restrictions continue to be in place until 2 December to tackle the rising coronavirus cases and hospital admissions, everyone should stay home as much as possible, whilst non-essential businesses close.

Health organisations in Sefton are reminding residents that support is available to help the most vulnerable in our community and the NHS is still here for you should you need it.

As clinically extremely vulnerable people are at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, they have been strongly urged to follow new guidance which includes:

• Stay at home as much as possible, except to exercise or to attend essential health appointments
• Do not go to shops or pharmacies – encourage others to collect and deliver food and medication. Travel only where essential
• Work from home, and if you can’t do your job from home, you are advised not to work during this period. You may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Whilst the national restrictions are in place it’s really important that we support vulnerable people or people self-isolating in our community by calling them to check they are okay, helping with shopping or picking up prescriptions.

“Clinically extremely vulnerable people can use a new national online service to register for support. This includes accessing priority supermarket delivery slots, collecting and delivering medication, and wellbeing and mental health support. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable and you need to register for support by telephone, or you have an urgent need, you can call Sefton Council on 0345 140 0845 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

“If you are vulnerable or self-isolating and you don’t have any friends, family or other support networks during this time, it’s really important that you do access the support available.”

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG said: “It’s vital that people know during the pandemic that the NHS is still here for you. If you have any worrying signs, symptoms or concerns whether it is about your physical or mental health your GP should still be your first port of call. Do not put off talking to your GP if you have health concerns as early diagnosis can save lives.

“If you need medical help from your GP practice, contact them online, by an app or by phone to be assessed. If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111. If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999. If you are told to go to hospital it is important that you go. You should continue to attend your appointments unless you have been told not to.”

Margaret Jones, director of public health for Sefton Council, said: “The current national restrictions will be hard on everyone, as it reduces our day-to-day contact with others. But it is necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus, so we need the people of Sefton to play their part.

“Please stay home to keep our most vulnerable residents safe and reduce the pressure on local hospitals and intensive care. We must also continue to remember ‘hands, face, space’ to protect ourselves and others.”

If you have any coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – you must self-isolate at home and get tested as soon as possible. Get a test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

• For information about support available for people without a support network visit: Sefton Council website
• For information about other organisations that are providing support and information visit: South Sefton CCG website
• For information about the new national restrictions and the guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people, visit: UK website.