Covid-19 and caring for someone
Covid-19 and caring for someone
If you provide unpaid care for a family member or friend who could not otherwise cope without your support, it is important to protect yourself.
Ways to ensure your safe from Covid-19
- get vaccinated against Covid-19 if you want
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
- cover coughs and sneezes
- try to stay at home if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or test positive for Covid-19
- consider wearing a face covering when it is hard to stay away from other people, especially crowded places or indoors
You can go back to your normal activities if you:
- feel well enough to do so
- do not have a high temperature
You can find separate guidance for children and young people aged 18 or under on GOV.UK.
Also, read government guidance on living safely with respiratory infections, including Covid-19.
Unpaid carers and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
If you require PPE to provide care for someone with Covid-19, and you are not able to access PPE yourself, email ppe-requests@camden.gov.uk and provide the following information so that we can process your request as quickly as possible:
- your name
- your address
- your contact numbers
- how much of each item is required: gloves (small, medium, large, extra-large), surgical masks, aprons, eye protection, hand sanitiser.
Alternately submit a request for equipment via COVID-19 PPE guide for unpaid carers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Please note the guidance on what PPE an unpaid carer needs to wear in a number of scenarios has been superseded by general guidance for adult social care providers. The guidance may provide an indication of the PPE you need to wear depending on the support you are providing.
Using PPE effectively
PPE is only effective when it is put on and taken off properly, combined with good hand hygiene and other precautions such as avoiding touching your hands and face.
Once you have taken off the PPE, it should immediately be disposed of in sealed rubbish bags. These bags should be placed inside another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. You should put it aside for at least 72 hours before being put in the usual household waste bin.
Public Health England have produced some training resources on using PPE:
What to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19
If you are caring for a person who is most vulnerable to Covid-19 and you are displaying symptoms of Covid-19, you should avoid physical contact with them. In doing so, find out about setting up a carer's emergency plan for these circumstances.
If alternative care is required, or your plan contingency plan is unavailable contact Adult Social Care on 020 7974 4000 (option 1) or email adultsocialcare@camden.gov.uk.
There are free tests still being provided for those who are most vulnerable, so if you care for someone who meets the eligibility criteria, you can order tests online.
For advice about Covid-19, including symptoms, testing, vaccination and staying at home, visit the NHS website.