New guidance for shielding and clinically vulnerable, facemasks and more ...
A short update on recent Covid-19 developments from Emma, Genetic Alliance UK’s Policy and Engagement Manager for Wales.
- Updated letters from the Chief Medical Officer in Wales have started going out this week to those who are still shielding.
- If you are considered clinically vulnerable but not shielding, you may still be advised to shield and should continue to work from home if possible. If you need to go out to work you should follow the social distancing rules. If you are unsure, please contact your GP or consultant for advice.
- Three layer face coverings have now been recommended in Wales for certain situations such as using public transport but are not mandatory.
- Dr Graham Shortland (Chair of the Rare Disease Implementation Group in Wales) has written to Welsh Government this week about concerns and experiences organisations relating to shielding letters, accessing specialised services and education.
- For Carers Week this week Deputy Health Minister Julie Morgan announced an extra £50,000 funding for Carers Wales to support carers mental health.
- Vaughan Gething, the Health Minister, announced that telemedicine digital services introduced in NHS Wales during the pandemic are here to stay.
- Further guidance was released about returning to school in Wales. Anyone shielding should not return to school. Children who are clinically vulnerable should continue to stay home as much as possible and they are only expected at school with parent/carers consent.
- People living in a household with those who are clinically vulnerable (learners or staff) should only attend school if they can adhere to the social distancing guidance. If they cannot, they should be supported to learn from home. Further information and links to the full guidance is now available on the hub and here.