New Covid-19 measures
Covid-19 case numbers are rising rapidly and new national guidance is in place to protect the NHS and save lives.
From Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December, you must:
• Stay at home, except for specific purposes.
• Avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.
• Close certain businesses and venues.
These new measures will reduce the growth rate of the virus, which will:
• Prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.
• Ensure schools, colleges and universities can stay open.
• Ensure that as many people as possible can continue to work.
You can find out more about the measures online
This bulletin provides advice and support for people and communities in Kent and Medway to stay well and connected throughout this period and beyond.
The NHS is open and here for you
If you have a health condition or symptom that is worrying, please contact your GP or call 111. Both surgeries and hospitals have adapted to make it safe for both Covid and non-Covid patients to be seen.
The NHS has restarted services that were delayed by the first wave and have been making good progress. Across Kent and Medway, 140,000 outpatient appointments, nearly 12,000 day case treatments and over 48,000 scans and other diagnostics took place in September.
If you already have a GP or hospital appointment booked, please attend unless you hear otherwise.
Looking after your mental health
Many more people are suffering from anxiety and low mood as a result of the pandemic and impact it and the lockdown restrictions have on our lives.
Feeling lonely or sadder than normal is natural at this time and it’s important we look after ourselves.
Information is available at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing for people experiencing a range of mental health and wellbeing issues.
There is also a specific web page to help families with children or young people who might be experiencing difficulties at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeingfamilies
Both web pages offer advice and signposting to other sites which can help in range of situations.
As part of the Release the Pressure campaign, a text service is also available to people who are struggling to cope and need immediate help. By texting the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258, you will start a conversation with one of the many trained and experienced volunteers who can give help at any time, wherever you are.
Texts are free on all major mobile networks and the service is provided by SHOUT and the Crisis Text Line.
The service is running in addition to the current 24/7 freephone helpline.
Information on specific mental health services is also available on our website
Kent Together
A 24 hour helpline has been set up by Kent County Council to support vulnerable people in Kent who need urgent help, supplies or medication.
The helpline is called Kent Together, and is available for anyone in the county who is in urgent need of help during the Covid-19 outbreak, or if you have any concerns about the wellbeing of another person.
If you are vulnerable and need urgent support, you can contact the Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or by calling on 03000 41 92 92.
Don't forget your flu jab
The flu vaccination is the best protection for you and those around you which is why it is offered for free for those most at risk.
Vaccinations started in September and continue over the winter months, with appointments available throughout the season, so there is still plenty of time to book. Priority is given to those who are most at risk of flu. People aged over 65, those with a long-term health condition, children from two to 11, carers and pregnant women are among those eligible for the free flu vaccine. More details on eligibility are online
GP practices and pharmacies receive phased deliveries of the vaccine and flu clinics are scheduled to coincide with these deliveries. By staggering appointments over the winter months, we can help protect as many people as possible from flu.
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
