New shielding criteria
Recent changes to the coronavirus shielding criteria means more people will now be added to the shielding list.
The new criteria takes into account factors other than underlying health conditions, such as ethnicity, age, chronic illnesses and medication, to work out a person’s risk of becoming seriously ill if they were to catch COVID-19. You can see more information about the new shielding criteria on the Government website here.
Anyone who meets the criteria will shortly receive a letter from the NHS letting them know of their new status and asking them to shield.
Shielding and appointments
It’s really important that we continue our essential services, such as gas services and electrical testing, which require us to enter your home. We are not making any changes to these services, but please be assured that your safety is always our top priority.
If you are shielding and have an appointment with us to visit your home, we will of course conduct our visit in line with government guidelines to assure your safety. When we, or our contractors need to visit you, we will:
- Call you shortly before arriving to ensure both you and our operatives/contractors are suitably prepared and protected
- Keep a safe distance of 2 metres apart when we’re in your home
- Wear face coverings
- Wear protective clothing appropriate for the task being carried out and will observe strict hygiene procedures
- Be up to date with the latest guidance on how to work safely
- Have risk assessments in place that are in line with government advice
We understand that this is still a difficult and worrying time. We are here to support you and if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us either on 01634 565333 or contactus@mhs.org.uk.
You can find out more information on coronavirus and how it's affecting our services here.