Those who are clinically at high risk if infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19) are in the process of receiving letters from the Scottish Government asking them to carry out ‘shielding’ for a period of 12 weeks.
This means minimising all social contact and staying at home. People with health issues such as those with certain types of cancer, lung conditions, those with compromised immune systems and those who have received an organ donation are among those deemed high risk.
Many people in these groups will have a support network of friends and family locally who will help them to carry out shielding. But for those who do not have adequate support, East Lothian Council has created a web page which contains information, advice and the appropriate phone number and email address where anyone needing extra help can get in touch – particularly with food and medicine deliveries.
The page can be found at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/shielding
Anyone needing help can email us at customerservices@eastlothian.gov.uk or call us between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week on 01875 824300.
Depute Council Leader Norman Hampshire said: “We know it will be very difficult for some people to isolate themselves for at least 12 weeks but as they are the most vulnerable in our communities right now I would urge everyone who receives a letter to take the advice to minimise social contact. If anyone needs support with this, the council is here to help. We can either help directly or refer those who get in touch to other groups and organisations who are already providing targeted support during the Coronavirus crisis.”