Practice Alert - Covid Symptoms; Covid Testing; Face Covering Exemptions and Other Important Messages

1) COVID SYMPTOMS

If you have a new continuous cough , fever 37.8 C or more, or change in taste or smell, as per public health guindance, this is assumed to be Covid. You must isolate for 10 days from onset of sypmtoms until the swab determines a negative result. The household members must isolate for 14 days, unless they develop the symptoms mentioned above in which case they will need to isolate for 10 days from the onset of these symptoms.

2) COVID TESTING

We are aware of  the severe problems nationwide in obtaining Covid tests. Unfortunately, we are unable to access these tests for ourselves, our staff or our patients and we are not able to help you to obtain one. Please do not call us to ask; this risks overloading our telephone lines with patients most in need finding it difficult to get through. Please continue to visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test to book a test, or call 119.

All initial consultations are done by telephone or e-consult so we can safely manage risk when bringing in those patients most in need of being seen face-to-face.

3) FACE COVERING EXEMPTIONS

You do not require confirmation from a GP if you feel you need to be exempt from wearing a face mask. We cannot provide exemption letters or certificates. Please visit https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/face-coverings for guidance.

COVID-19 Vaccine: The NHS will get in touch when it’s your turn to be vaccinated – please do not contact the Surgery before then

The first phase of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme has begun. However, initially the vaccination will be prioritised for those over 80, care home workers and residents, and frontline health and care staff. These vaccinations will be delivered through a limited number of Hospital and GP Hubs. See this leaflet explaining who was chosen for the first group and why.

If you are in a priority group, when it is the right time, you will receive an invitation to come forward for your vaccination.  For most people this will be a letter (some might receive a text from their GP practice), either from the practice or the national NHS. This letter will include all the information you will need to book appointments, including your NHS number. 

This is going to be a long-term programme and it will likely take until at least Spring before all high-risk groups have been offered a COVID-19 vaccine.

Please help us and do not contact the practice or other NHS services to get an appointment for a COVID vaccination until you get this letter.   Please also continue to follow the national guidance to control the virus and save lives. 

Information on the vaccine is available on www.selondonccg.nhs.uk/what-we-do/covid-19/
 

Adults between the age of 50-64 will be able to get their free flu vaccine from 1st December in the next phase of this year’s expanded flu vaccination programme.Please call the surgery on 0333 3327300 to make an appointment and wear a face covering when attending.

UPDATED 18 November 2020, FOR REVIEW by 20 October 2020