Coronavirus (COVID-19) - latest info and advice SHORTCUT ivy.gs/coronavirus
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HOW WE'RE WORKING DURING COVID
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I have a query about coronavirus SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-query
Select your query below, or use search
- What is coronavirus?
- Brief timeline of coronavirus response
- When do I suspect coronavirus?
- What do I do if I have symptoms?
- Self-isolate to prevent spread ESSENTIAL
- Social distancing for all
- How do I prevent spread?
- Why can't I come in? ESSENTIAL
- I've developed viral symptoms
- Can't you just check me out?
- Am I vulnerable for coronavirus?
- Am I extremely vulnerable for coronavirus?
- I need someone to help me!
- Where can I volunteer to help?
- I want a test for coronavirus! POPULAR
- I want the covid vaccination NEW
- I have a query about school
- How do I treat coronavirus?
- I'm getting worse ESSENTIAL
- Can I have chloroquine / dexamethasone / vitamin D?
What is coronavirus? SHOW
Novel coronavirus, officially named COVID-19 by WHO, is a new respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans and which was first identified in Wuhan City in China.
Coronaviruses as a group, are common across the world, and cause symptoms including fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing breathing difficulties.
This coronavirus is classed as an 'airborne high consequence infectious disease'.
Hundreds of thousands of patients in the UK have tested positive for coronavirus and nearly 50,000 people have sadly died from it.
If you are concerned you might have coronavirus, please do not come to the surgery. This is official government advice.
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Brief timeline of coronavirus response SHOW
The following is a brief timeline of UK response:
- On January 30, 2020, the British government raised the risk level to moderate
- On January 31, 2020, WHO declared coronavirus as a 'public health emergency of international concern'
- On February 10, 2020, the British government declared coronavirus a 'serious and imminent threat to public health'
- On March 3, 2020, NHS England declared coronavirus a level 4 incident - the highest level of emergency preparedness planning
- On March 11, 2020, WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic
- On March 12, 2020, the British government raised the risk level to high and Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, described the outbreak as the 'worst public health crisis for a generation'
- On March 17, 2020, Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive said coronavirus 'presents the NHS with arguably the greatest challenge it has faced since its creation'
- On March 23, 2020, the country entered national lockdown
- On June 19, 2020, the COVID-19 alert level was lowered from 4 (COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially) to 3 (COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation)
- On July 4, 2020, the country left national lockdown
- On Monday September 21, 2020, the COVID-19 alert level was raised to 4, 'severe'
- On Wednesday October 14, 2020, local alert levels came into force
- On Saturday October 31, 2020, Derbyshire entered Tier 2 alert level
- On Thursday November 5, 2020, the country went into national lockdown, due to the second wave
- On Thursday November 5, 2020, NHS England returned the NHS to level 4 state of alert
- On Wednesday December 2, 2020, Derbyshire entered Tier 3 alert level after leaving lockdown.
- On Thursday December 31, 2020, Derbyshire entered Tier 4 alert level
- On Tuesday January 5, 2021, the COVID-19 alert level was raised to 5, 'critical'
- On Wednesday January 6, 2020, the country went into full national lockdown, due to rising cases of new variant coronavirus
- On Thursday February 25, 2021, the COVID-19 alert level was lowered to 4, 'severe'
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When do I suspect coronavirus?
You might have coronavirus if you answer YES to any of these three questions:
Q1 Have you got a fever?
A high temperature (37.8°C or more if you have a thermometer, or if you feel hot to touch on your chest or back if you don't have a thermometer)
Q2 Have you developed a new continuous cough?
A new cough you haven't had before, or if you usually cough, it has got worse, and where you are coughing a lot more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
Q3 Has your sense of smell or taste changed or disappeared?
Smell and taste are deeply connected, so this applies to either or both sensations - if you have noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Find out what to do if you have symptoms
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What do I do if I have symptoms?
high temperature new continuous cough loss or change of smell or taste
If you think you have or might have coronavirus:
- DO NOT book an appointment
- DO NOT come to surgery
- DO self-isolate for 10 days if you live alone - follow self-isolation advice
- DO keep the whole household at home for 14 days if you live with others
- DO get a coronavirus test - find out more
- DO follow the directions below
Find out what to do if you are getting worse
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Self-isolate to prevent spread SHORTCUT ivy.gs/self-isolate
- Stay at home
- Do not book an appointment with us
- Do not come to the surgery
- If you live alone, stay home for 10 days from when your symptoms started
- If you live with other people, keep everyone at home for 14 days starting from the day when the first person's symptoms started
- If anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 10 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they're at home for longer than 14 days.
- Keep 2 metres away from others in your household
- Sleep alone if possible
- If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay whilst you self-isolate
- Do not use public transport or taxis
- Do not go to work, school or public places; this includes going out for a walk!
- Do not present yourself to any GP surgery or hospital without seeking advice first
- Follow this advice even if your symptoms are mild and you feel all right (remember this is for the benefit of others as well as yourself)
- You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you are staying at home
- Use the 111 online service if you develop symptoms or become unwell
- Ring 111 if no online access but be prepared for a wait as it is very busy
- Ring 999 if you become very poorly and inform them of your symptoms
- Ask friends, family or delivery services to carry out errands on your behalf
- Avoid having visitors at home but it is OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food at the door
- Follow all precautions to prevent spread of infection
- Follow guidance on staying at home
- Follow guidance on keeping safe while isolating at home
Please do not come to the surgery
- Do not come to surgery even if you cannot get through to 111 or are waiting a long time for a callback
- See Why can't I come to surgery? below
- Not only might you be a risk for the surgery and others who may be there, the surgery might be a risky place for you
Please also see
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Social distancing advice for all
Everyone should take measures to reduce spread of coronavirus
- DO NOT have any contact with anyone with suspected coronavirus
- DO NOT use public transport unless essential (wear face covering if you do)
- DO work from home where possible
- DO NOT attend the surgery - use online services or eConsult
- DO follow alert levels and any local restrictions that might be in place (see above)
- DO read guidance on social distancing
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How do I prevent spread?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus
Most of the following is good practice for everyone, to reduce infection risk in general
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time or use an alcohol-based hand gel if your hands are not visibly dirty - download a poster on handwashing
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Maintain at least 2 metre (6 feet) distance between yourself and other people
- Catch it, Bin it, Kill it - cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (or your flexed elbow), then throw the tissue in a bin
- Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces at home and work
- If you feel unwell, stay at home, do not attend work or school
- Do not go to the surgery, hospital or any other healthcare place without seeking advice first
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Why can't I come to surgery
WE ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO HANDLE CORONAVIRUS
By turning up at surgery, you risk the surgery being placed into a state of lockdown and you will be putting yourself and others at risk. This cannot be stressed enough!
Please do not come to surgery.
Use the 111 online service or ring 111 if no online access.
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Can't you just check me out?
If you have a high temperature new continuous cough loss or change of smell or taste then you should self-isolate as defined above.
Your GP cannot 'check you' to tell you if it definitely is coronavirus or not and your GP does not have any access to testing. You need to self-refer for testing if you have symptoms.
Given community spread of coronavirus, you might well have it if you develop the above symptoms. It is therefore very important that you self-isolate to prevent further spread of infection. This is to protect yourself and others. Please do not come to surgery.
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, antibiotics do not help.
Find out what to do if you are getting worse
Read guidance on staying at home
Follow guidance on keeping safe while isolating at home
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
See Why can't I come to surgery?
Next time, please consider having a flu jab if you are eligible
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Am I classed as vulnerable (moderate risk) for coronavirus? SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-vulnerable
In general, those more vulnerable to complications on contracting coronavirus are those patients who are over 70, have underlying long-term conditions, or pregnant women.
If you are eligible to have a flu jab on medical grounds each year, then you are likely classed as vulnerable.
Those classed as vulnerable will not receive any notification from the NHS or from their GP. If you fall into a vulnerable group, you are strongly advised to follow social distancing guidance.
Whatever medical condition you have, the best way to remain well is to avoid catching it in the first place.
Read guidance on social distancing
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
Five things you can do to protect yourself and your community
Practical things you can do to help flatten the curve
Read guidance on shielded patients and see immediately below
If you are in a vulnerable group and feel you need help at home, find out more here
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Am I classed as extremely vulnerable (very high risk) for coronavirus (shielding group)? SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-veryhighrisk
FEB 2021: MORE PATIENTS TO BE IDENTIFIED SHOW
We have been informed that more high risk patients will be identified from clinical systems using new risk assessment tools. Such patients will be notified directly from NHS England over the next week or two.
If you receive a letter, there is no need to let us know. Our records will be updated automatically. If you are identified as being at high risk, then you should follow shielding advice as outlined below. You will also become eligible for covid vaccination, if you have not already had it. Again there is no need to let us know as our existing searches will identify you.
NB: we are aware that some patients have been incorrectly identified in this group due to a previous code of gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnanct). We understand that this will be corrected in a forthcoming update.
We urge all patients on the shielding list to read the current guidance on shielded patients.
JAN 2021: SHIELDING RESTARTED SHOW
Those on the shielded list should not attend work, school, college or university, and limit the time spent outside the home. Those shielding should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.
We urge all patients on the shielding list to read the current guidance on shielded patients.
DEC 2020: VITAMIN D SHOW
Those on the shielded list will be sent a letter directly from NHS England and can opt in to have vitamin D delivered directly to their door.
Care home patients who are on the shielded list will get their vitamin D from deliveries sent directly to care homes.
For all other patients, government advice is to take a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement over Autumn and Winter, which they can buy directly from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retailers.
There is therefore no need for GPs to prescribe vitamin D for shielded patients or ro any other patients outside of any other local guidelines. We kindly ask that you do not ring us, or book an appointment or request that we prescribe vitamin D.
NOV 2020: DOWN'S SYNDROME AND KIDNEY DISEASE SHOW
New guidance has been issued in light of the new national lockdown.
The shielding list now includes adults with Down's syndrome and those patients with chronic kidney disease at stage 5. These additional patients will be identified and contacted.
Paediatric specialists have reviewed the evidence on risk levels posed to children and young people from coronavirus infection and the latest evidence indicates that the risk of serious illness in most children and young people is low, even if they have pre-existing medical conditions.
GPs have been asked to review the risk status for all children and young people (under 18 years old) on their practice list currently flagged as very high risk and to amend the flag to record a lower risk as clinically appropriate.
We will be contacting the consultant specialist for any child in this category and will get in touch with any decisions in due course. Please bear with us whilst we do this work.
We urge all patients on the shielding list to read the current guidance on shielded patients.
Some patients are classed as being at very high risk of severe illness requiring admission to hospital if they were to contract coronavirus. Such patients are being identified by the NHS centrally and also by their GP.
Those at extremely high risk will be advised to shield. This is a measure to keep these people safe, and essentially means staying at home at all times, and avoiding any face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks.
Very high risk groups for shielding
- Solid organ transplant recipients
- People with specific cancers
- People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
- People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
- People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
- People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
- People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
- People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe COPD
- People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell)
- People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection
- People who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired
- Renal dialysis patients and those with chronic kidney disease stage 5
- Adults with Down's syndrome
If you are on the shielding list
- Those at high risk will be notified either by personalised letter or text, and will receive further advice and information on how to access support.
- Depending on your age and conditions, our care co-ordinator may contact you to offer support.
- If you are identified as being at high risk, you are advised to follow official government guidance to shield.
- Due to a high level of calls we are receiving regarding this issue, we advise all patients to see below about this issue before getting in touch with us.
- Please also check the list of high risk groups above, which has been determined centrally by the NHS.
- Those at high risk will receive a personalised letter, either from us or from the NHS centrally which can be shown to others as needed.
- We have no control over centrally-sent NHS letters. If you think you have been sent one in error, please see below.
- We regret we cannot supply any other documentary evidence in this situation, nor any documentatry evidence to anyone else who is not in the high risk group.
I've been removed from the shielding list
- We have been instructed by NHS England to review the record of every patient identified centrally and also the record of every patient who has self-reported as being at high risk
- We need to do this because shielding is a severe measure that has risks to your mental and physical wellbeing and this has to be balanced against the benefits from such measures, so we do not put anyone into shielding lightly
- If you have been removed, this means we have checked your records and determined you are not at very high risk
- However, as you might still be at moderate risk, we still advise that you strongly follow social distancing guidance in order to keep yourself safe
- If you still want to shield even if you are not in the shielding group, then this is a personal choice
I don't want to be on the shielding list
- If you do not want to shield, then again, this is a personal choice
- We would generally recommend thåat you follow shielding guidance, but if you do not wish to, then you should at least strongly follow social distancing guidance
- If you think you have been put into the shielding group due to an error in your records, we ask that you check the very high risk groups above first
- If you still don't know why you are in the shielding group, please contact us and we can tell you
Get more information
Read guidance on shielded patients
If you are in a vulnerable group and feel you need help at home, find out more here .
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
Five things you can do to protect yourself and your community
Check and/or register for support
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I need someone to help me at home SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-needhelp
You have several options on getting help if you are vulnerable or extremely vulnerable:
- Derbyshire Community Response Unit - find out more
- Amber Valley Community Voluntary Service - find out more
- Request an NHS volunteer via GoodSAM - find out more
- Find your local Covid-19 Mutual Aid group - find out more
- Contact the Royal Voluntary Service - find out more
- Register for support on official government website - find out more
Download all the above links as a document you can print out.
Information for carers can be found on our Carers page
Derbyshire Community Response Unit
This service can help if you have no friends or family you can call on and:
- You are self-isolating because you or a member of your household is at risk
- You are struggling to meet your basic needs because of financial, social or health restrictions
- You are pregnant
- You have underlying health conditions
- You are aged 70 or over
They can help with shopping, fetching prescriptions or finding someone to have a chat with.
If you need help you can use the link below to register or you can ring 01629 535091 - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm, or email ASCH.CommunityResponseUnit@derbyshire.gov.uk.
Derbyshire's Community Response Unit .
Requests are sent out to community partners such as AV CVS to fulfil.
Download an information leaflet .
Amber Valley Community Voluntary Service
Amber Valley Community Volunary Service (AVCVS) is based in Ripley, Derbyshire and is the local organisation for the district’s voluntary sector and the main provider of support for local voluntary and community groups.
AVCVS offers a range of support and services to respond to the needs of volunteers, voluntary organisations and community groups.
Email Paulclarke@avcvs.org or ring 01773 748688.
Request an NHS volunteer via GoodSAM
You can now request an NHS volunteer through GoodSAM and NHS volunteers and access a variety of different support options:
Check in and chat support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation.
Community support provides collection of shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home.
Patient Transport support provides transport to take patients home who are medically fit for discharge.
NHS Transport support provides transport for equipment, supplies and/or medication between NHS services and sites. Also involves assisting pharmacies with medication delivery.
Find your local Covid-19 Mutual Aid group
Find your local coronavirus support group at Covid-19 Mutual Aid .
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a group co-ordinating local support for the most vulnerable in our communities.
In this area, there is the Ripley Community Covid Support Group and Corona Virus Helpers Heage And Surrounding Villages .
Contact the Royal Voluntary Service
Contact the Royal Voluntary Service for help and support.
The Royal Voluntary Service co-ordinates olunteers providing much-needed support for over-stretched public services and for people as they age.
Ring 0330 555 0310, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Register for support on official government website
If you are in an extremely vulnerable group, you can officially check and/or register for support here .
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Where can I volunteer to help in the efforts against coronavirus?
Your NHS needs you!
NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak. To do this the NHS needs an 'army' of volunteers who can support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well.
Find out more about NHS Volunteer Responders .
See also Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK which co-ordinates neighbourly initiatives and has lists of local groups in your area,.
The Royal Voluntary Service is a national charity built on local volunteering giving support to the people that need it in hospitals and communities.
If you are a business looking to help in the efforts against coronavirus, and can provide help such as protective equipment like masks, gowns and sanitiser, medical equipment, logistics, please register the support of your business .
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I want a test for coronavirus! SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-test
If you have a high temperature new continuous cough loss or change of smell or taste then you should self-isolate as defined above.
Given significant community spread of coronavirus, you might well have it if you develop any of the above symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms (including children) can get a swab (antigen) test for coronavirus - please see links below.
Get a coronavirus test
Ring 119 to request a test if you have no internet access - however, in our experience, you may have better success gettting a test if you use the online service (or ask someone who can request a test on your behalf), rather than ring up
Order lateral flow test kits for schools, nurseries and colleges
Report lateral flow test results
Read about your test result
Read guidance on staying at home
Follow guidance on keeping safe while isolating at home
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
See Why can't I come to surgery? below
If you are performing lateral flow tests for work, you can report a test result below
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I want the covid vaccination
Please visit our new website page which we have set up to provide the latest information on covid vaccination.
Covid vaccination page SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-vacc
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I have a query about school SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-school
General information
Schools, colleges and other educational settings are working very hard to review the government guidelines alongside their own risks assessments to determine the safety of a phased reopening of their institution.
These measures are overseen by the head teacher, the senior leadership and appropriate governing body (or equivalent) for each school’s individual circumstances.
Parents/carers need to work with schools if they have individual concerns about their child.
It is the parents' and carers' choice as to whether they feel it is safe, and not for a GP to decide.
Teachers and other employed staff will also need to work with schools if they have concerns about their own health and whether they can safely return to face-to-face work.
GPs have not been provided with additional/specific guidance regarding decision making for staff or students beyond current public health measures.
Shielded and vulnerable children
Please follow this link from the Royal Collage of Paediatrics and Child Health which states that:.
- Most children who were told to shield in March 2020 need to be taken off the shielding list and will be able to attend school
- Children under hospital care will have their shielding status reviewed by their paediatrician
- All other children should attend school when their year group returns
Children living in a household with vulnerable household member
Children who live in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable and shielding should only attend if stringent social distancing can be adhered to and the child or young person is able to understand and follow those instructions.
Children and young people who live with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not extremely clinically vulnerable) as defined in the social distancing guidance and including those who are pregnant, can attend.
GP letters or notes
GPs will not be issuing notes or letters on behalf of parents or carers if they do not wish to send their child to school or their child is shielding for themselves, or to protect family members who are shielding and/or vulnerable.
In addition, GPs will not be issuing notes or letters to confirm over-the-counter medicines, or prescribe them so that schools or nurses have an 'official' record of a prescription for them to administer.
The Department for Education has confirmed to the BMA that a prescription is not required and non-prescription medication can be administered where parents have given written consent.
We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request such letters pr prescriptions from us.
BMA guidance on over-the-counter medicines
What if my child has a cold/virus?
With children returning the school, the usual coughs and colds will start to circulate again. Current advice is that children do not need a covid-test and do not need to self-isolate if they are simply suffering from a common cold.
Symptoms frequently seen with common colds are runny or blocked nose, aches and pains, sneezing and sore throat. Adults and children with a common cold are generally not acutely unwell.
If a child is more poorly with a heavy cold, then they might need a day or two off to recover. Keep off school as you would have done pre-covid.
If a child has definite coronavirus symptoms with high temperature new continuous cough loss or change of smell or taste then you must follow the guidance and self-isolate and test as above.
Other viruses will circulate during winter as they did before coronavirus; we advise that parents follow the guidance on viral illness as above. There is no need to contact a GP because your child has a cold or sniffles, unless they are unwell.
If your child is under the care of a paediatric specialist or was previously shielding due to a long-term health problem, then we advise you to seek specialist advice, or you should follow any advice previously received.
Download our leaflet How can I tell if my child is poorly
Find out about coronavirus in children
Common cold and COVID-19 symptoms - advice from RCPCH
Official guidance
Guidance note from Derbyshire LMC for parents
Read guidance for parents and carers
Read guidance for school opening
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How do I treat my coronavirus infection?
You should be following directions for self-isolating as described above.
If you are a confirmed case of coronavirus, you might be transferred to and cared for in a specialist centre, or if your symptoms are mild, you might be advised to self-isolate at home, either by Public Health or 111.
You may have fever, cough or breathlessness or general viral symptoms or only mild or even no symptoms.
There is no specific cure for coronavirus. Any treatment aims to relieve symptoms only, which for a viral illness includes rest, paracetamol and plenty of fluids - please follow NHS advice .
Find out what to do if you are getting worse
Read guidance on staying at home
Follow guidance on keeping safe while isolating at home
If you develop symptoms, or become unwell, use the 111 online service or ring 111 if no online access
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
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I'm self-isolating but getting worse SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-worse
Use the 111 online service or ring 111 if no online access:
- If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- If your condition gets worse
- If your symptoms do not get better after 10 days
Example of getting worse might be:
- You become so short of breath that you cannot climb stairs
- You cannot finish speaking a sentence
- You have stopped doing all the things you usually do
Ring 999 if you are very poorly, and inform them of your symptoms and that you are self-isolating.
Need more advice?
Anybody can use the 111 online service to find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
Read guidance on staying at home
Follow guidance on keeping safe while isolating at home
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
See Why can't I come to surgery? below
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Can I have chloroquine / dexamethasone / vitamin D?
Current guidance is that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine should be used only as part of a clinical trial for the treatment of coronavirus.
Dexamethasone is approved to treat all UK hospitalised COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen, including those on ventilators, from June 16, 2020.
If you do not already take such medication, We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request them.
With regard to vitamin D, please read the update posted under shielded patients.
We will not prescribe them to you. Repeat prescriptions will continue to be issued to those existing patients with current clinical need for these medications and for licensed purposes only.
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I'm self-isolating as advised, what happens at the end?
You should be following directions for self-isolating as described above.
After 10 days, if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you can return to normal activity.
If you still have a high temperature, continue to self-isolate until your temperature returns to normal.
You may still have a cough for some weeks after, this is normal. It does not mean you have to stay at home for more than 10 days.
If you do not get any better, continue to self-isolate and 111 online service. Please do not come to surgery.
Need more advice?
Anybody can use the 111 online service to find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
Read guidance on staying at home
Follow guidance on keeping safe while isolating at home
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
See Why can't I come to surgery? below
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I'm self-isolating so I need a sick note SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-isolationnote
In a situation such as this, self-isolation would be advised officially by 111 or Public Health for contact with a confirmed case, or a suspected case, or whilst awaiting results of a coronavirus test.
By law, a doctor's fit note (sick note or MED 3) is not required for the first seven days of sickness absence.
After seven days, a doctor's note may be required - it is actually for the employer to determine what evidence is required, if any, which may or may not be a doctor's note.
The government strongly suggests that employers use their discretion around the need for medical evidence for a period of absence where an employee is advised to self-isolate in accordance with Public Health advice being issued by the government.
This means that a doctor's note will not necessarily be required. Please download this information sheet .
Use the new 111 isolation note service
Emergency legislation is being brought in to allow employees to claim statutory sick pay from the first day off work in order to help contain coronavirus.
Please note, if you are not following any official 111 or Public Health guidance to self-isolate, but you have made the decision yourself to do so, you are not entitled to a doctor's note at all in this situation.
For queries regarding requests for GP letters related to the coronavirus pandemic, please see our GP letters section immediately below.
Read guidance on working safely
Read guidance on staying at home
Follow guidance on keeping safe while isolating at home
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
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I need a GP letter SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-gpletter
I need a GP letter because I'm not going on holiday now
If you have changed your mind and decide not to go on holiday, you do not need a letter from the GP.
Insurers and travel companies should be basing their decisions to offer refunds on advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Public Health England, not letters from GPs. Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs
Please check foreign travel advice
Please check foreign travel advice by country
Please check our forms and documents policy where it states that we are happy to complete travel cancellation forms if we have been attending you for medical conditions for which we have advised that you cancel or postpone your holiday. We will not write a letter for any other reason.
We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request such letters from us.
If you are going away, please check out this infographic guide on staying safe.
I need a GP letter because my boss at work says so
If you need a note for your employer because you are self-isolating due to coronavirus or have coronavirus in your household, please see our information on self-isolation or use the shortcut ivy.gs/covid-isolationnote. We will not supply sick notes for self-isolation purposes.
If you are in the shielding group, you will have received a text or letter from the NHS or ourselves about this. You can use this letter as evidence for your employer or others, and there is no need for a further letter from us to confirm your status.
GPs are not in a position to perform or sign-off on any risk assessment for you in your workplace - this is your employer's responsibility.
GPs are not in a position to authorise any return to work or home-working plan - this is for your employer or the human resources or occupational health department.
We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request such letters from us.
Should your employer need specific medical information about you or a formal report about your condition, we will not be able to provide such information to them without a copy of your written consent. Such information will be subject to a fee as this is private work not covered by normal NHS service. If a formal report is required, please ask your employer to put such requests in writing to us, enclosing a copy of your written consent.
I need a GP letter because of schooling
GPs are not in a position to provide letters for schooling.
Please see our dedicated section regarding coronavirus and schooling or use the shortcut ivy.gs/covid-school.
We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request such letters from us.
I need a GP letter to exempt me from wearing a face covering/mask
GPs are not in a position to provide individual risk assessments or letters for patients to authorise any exemption from wearing a mask.
Face coverings are not to protect you. However, if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with. From a public health point of view, we cannot authorise you to not wear a mask where it is deemed appropriate or regulated by law.
The legislation states that: No person may, without reasonable excuse, enter or remain within a relevant place (e.g., shops, public transport) without wearing a face covering. The only reasonable excuses for medical purposes for not wearing masks are if someone cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering— (i) because of any physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability (within the meaning of section 6 of the Equality Act 2010), or (ii) without severe distress.
At no point does the legislation or any other regulation require GPs to provide letters of confirmation of these conditions, or to authorise exemption from wearing a mask and we therefore politely decline such requests for letters. Self-declaration is sufficient and patients wishing to do so may download and use the resources indicated below.
We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request face covering exemption letters from us.
Download a Derbyshire LMC information sheet
Read guidance on face coverings
Download and print face covering exemption card
Download face covering exemption file for mobile
I need a GP letter because I need to self-isolate before hospital admission
This issue has nothing to do with GPs regardless of who has requested this letter. You have various options:
- The admission letter from the hospital should be sufficient evidence for an employer.
- Go to the isolation note service and declare 'yes' to the question: “Have you been told to self-isolate by an NHS service or a healthcare professional?” and if you then tick the box that says “I have been told to self-isolate by a test and trace service” they will be able to get a self-isolation note sent to you.
- Download this template letter for your employer.
We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request such letters from us.
I need a GP letter because the DVLA has told me to ask the GP to declare that I am fit to drive
We understand that due to the pandemic, DVLA have a backlog with licence renewals so are advising people they may be able to continue to drive under section 88 of the Road Traffic Act. This may allow you to continue driving even though you do not hold a current driving licence. In practice, this will be when you have applied to the DVLA to renew your licence, but the licence expires while they are processing the application.
However, DVLA are advising people that in order to meet these criteria a GP must document their fitness to drive and a number of practices have received such requests.
The declaration that an applicant is fit to drive must be made by the applicant NOT the GP (s92 of the Road Traffic Act).
Any medical decision about fitness to drive is made by the DVLA in-house medical team, not GPs.
It is not the responsibility of GPs to help DVLA clear their backlog.
We kindly ask that you do not book an appointment to request such letters from us.
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I've had coronavirus - what advice can you give me?
You may have residual symptoms after having had coronavirus infection. This is a new condition and more information regarding after effects of infection are emerging.
Please see our dedicated section regarding post-covid recovery or use the shortcut ivy.gs/covid-postcovid or ivy.gs/postcovid.
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I'm well, but worried about coronavirus
If you are well, the best way to remain well is to avoid catching it in the first place.
This advice applies whatever medical condition you have.
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection
Five things you can do to protect yourself and your community
Practical things you can do to help flatten the curve
Keep up with updates on coronavirus with the links below or follow this page. We will try to keep this page regularly updated with the changing guidance, as long as we've not been taken out by someone infecting us.
We will aim to keep this page regularly updated with the changing guidance, as long as we've not been taken out by someone infecting us, so please do not come to surgery if you have it.
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All this coronavirus is affecting my mental health!
These are very anxious times for everybody.
Because this virus is entirely new, no-one physically, or figuratively, is immune from its effects.
Everybody has been affected in some way, be it, with colleagues self-isolating or sick, with workplace changes, with national lockdown. One cannot help but be moved by the tragic stories we hear all around the world.
If you feel you need more help and support, please visit the new mental health section of our General Practice 2.0 page or use the shortcut ivy.gs/covid-mentalhealth. We have built this page specially to help those who are struggling with their mental health during this current crisis.
NHS staff who are finding their mental health is being affected during this pandemic can visit a special section on this page for staff, or use the ivy.gs/covid-staffhealth.
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Useful links
- GOV.UK: All GP guidance
- LMC: Derbyshire
- DMM: Derbyshire Medicines Management
- PCP: COVID-19
- RW: Free updates
- PULSE: Covid-19 resources
- GOV.UK: The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020
- NICE: COVID-19: rapid guidelines and evidence summaries
- PHE: Find your local health protection team local team 0344 2254 524 option 1
- CEBM: Oxford COVID-19 Evidence Service
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Staff health SHORTCUT ivy.gs/covid-staffhealth
- See also ivy.gs/covid-mentalhealth
- Be Mindful Online: clinically proven online course for better mental health
- CP Training Hub: COVID-19 – Support & Wellbeing
- First You: hand-picked collection of wellbeing resources for healthcare workers
- GP staff wellbeing support pathway
- GP-S: free peer mentoring, coaching and signposting service for General Practice (download leaflet )
- NHS: Practitioner Health service
- NHS: free Headspace for NHS workers
- NHS Employers: Support available for NHS staff
- NHS: Supporting Our People
- Thrive: mental well-being app now free for Derbyshire NHS workers (email us for the code)
- Optimising staff preparedness, wellbeing, and functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic response
- Bitesize stress management for healthcare professionals
- Pick and Mix Well-being Workshops for GPs
- Free online Resilience toolkit for all NHS employees & Key Workers
- #LookingAfterYouToo: Coaching support for primary care staff
- BMJ: list of wellbeing resources
- NHS: offers for NHS staff
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© Dr Michael Wong 2021