28 March 2020

Any patient who has recieved a letter regarding shielding who requires assistance should contact the Borders local assistance hub on 0300 100 1800.

What is shielding?

Shielding is a measure to protect extremely vulnerable people from coming into contact with coronavirus, by minimising all interaction between them and others.

Those who are extremely vulnerable should:

  • not leave their homes
  • minimise all non-essential contact with other members of their household

This is to protect those who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) from coming into contact with the virus.

If you think you have a condition that makes you extremely vulnerable or you have received a letter from NHS Scotland, you’re strongly advised to shield yourself to reduce your chance of getting coronavirus (COVID-19).

You should also follow these face-to-face distancing measures:

  • Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID19) - these symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
  • Don’t leave your house
  • Don’t attend any gatherings - this includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces for example family homes, weddings and religious services
  • Don’t go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact
  • Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
  • Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services - if you require an ambulance, call 999 and tell the call handler you’re following shielding measures because of an underlying health condition

We know that stopping these activities will be difficult. You should try to identify ways of staying in touch with others and participating in your normal activities from your home. However, you must not participate in alternative activities if they involve any contact with other people.

This advice will be in place for at least the next 12 weeks.

Further information is available on the NHS Inform Website.