1. Coronavirus practical and regulatory information
Do not believe everything that you read on social media. There is a lot of ‘fake news’ out there. It is important to use reliable sources of information such as Government and NHS coronavirus guidance that are regularly updated with the latest information and include advice on cleaning, social distancing and vulnerable people. See the following web sites:
The Government’s web site https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus has clear links to information and advice on:
- Businesses and the self employed
- Carers and care settings
- Corvid-19 cases in the UK
- Driving and transport
- Education and childcare, and coronavirus
- Health care workers
- Health and wellbeing
- Housing and accommodation
- International travel and immigration
- Protecting yourself and others
- Volunteering and offering help
- Work, financial support and money
There is also Government guidance for:
Food businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-food-businesses/guidance-for-food-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Staff in the transport sector: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-staff-in-the-transport-sector/covid-19-guidance-for-staff-in-the-transport-sector
HSE has provided a wide range of helpful guidance for businesses and employees see our HSE Corvid-19 Guidance page
The NHS web site has advice about Corvid-19 for everyone: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
IOSH is developing a Corvid-19 hub with links to useful information on a range of related topics:
https://www.iosh.com/resources-and-research/our-resources/communicable-diseases/coronavirus/
- Healthcare workers
- Remote workers
- Advice for managing temporary workers
- Preventative measures
- The ergonomics of home working
- Mental health and wellbeing when working from home
- Workplace hygiene
- Resilience in supply chains
There are also links to IOSH Corvid-19 webinars from this page.
Backhouse Jones Solicitors’ web site has a Corvid-19 resource hub that is regularly updated. It includes links to relevant official guidance on:
- Courts and tribunals
- Drivers’ hours
- Driver licensing
- Employment
- Finance
- Procurement
- Traffic commissioner’s guidance
- Vehicle maintenance
See: https://www.backhousejones.co.uk/covid-19-resource-hub/
2. Wellbeing and mental health during ‘lock down’
The Covid-19 crisis means that many people have unexpected money and long-term unemployment worries and/or are finding it difficult to cope with coronavirus restrictions especially if they are confined in small apartments with other family members or cannot visit their loved ones. This will inevitably have an adverse effect on the general wellbeing and mental health of a significant proportion of the population with knock-on effects on other members of the household.
The NHS – Every mind matters web page has guidance about coping with self-isolation:
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/
Every Mind Matters have also produced a helpful booklet on Wellbeing and mental health advice: COVID 19 Wellbeing & Mental Health Advice
Further information is provided on our: Practical advice on ways of balancing home working, family wellbeing and personal needs during the coronavirus ‘lock down’ web page.
3. Emergency help for those who are struggling to cope
South Cumbria and Lancashire Councils have set up a 24-hour coronavirus advice and emotional support help telephone line has been set up for people. It is available for anyone who is struggling to cope, feeling isolated or experiencing mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.
Tel: 0800 915 4640 or text ‘hello’ on 07862 022846
For URGENT SUPPORT contact the Samaritans Tel: 116 123 or text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.