Our COVID-19 guide for carers
In this section, you can find the latest news on COVID-19 with reliable links to government guidance and the latest health advice for carers.
With restrictions having eased across the UK, we would like to offer continued support to help you and those you look after manage the risk posed by COVID-19.
If you have symptoms
If you have a symptom of coronavirus such as a continuous cough, fever or a lack of taste or smell, the advice is still to keep well away from others and arrange a test if you can.
Lateral flow tests are no longer free for the vast majority but some individuals, such as those who are most clinically vulnerable, can still order them free of charge.
If the test result is positive, it is important to keep your distance from others if you can and make sure you advise those you have been close to in recent days straight away.
Do seek medical help if the symptoms become severe and difficult to manage. Further guidance can also be found here: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19
We are all advised to remain cautious as lockdown restrictions are eased. Some rules still apply depending on where you are in the UK so check your area.
Latest guidance on restrictions
As the number of cases of COVID-19 remain high, it is important to continue to follow the current NHS and government guidance to help protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus.
In England, there are recommendations you can follow here.
In Scotland, see this guidance.
In Northern Ireland, you can find out about the current restrictions and rules to follow here.
In Wales, you can find more details about the latest guidance here.
Wherever you live in the UK, you should not be prevented from visiting someone who relies on your support for care, although it is advisable to take every precaution possible.
You can arrange with family or friends for someone else to provide the care you normally provide to the person you care for, to enable you to take a break. Read more
Some helpful reminders
Here is some guidance on what is useful to bear in mind when you have caring responsibilities.
Reminders of what to consider
If you are caring for someone who is extremely vulnerable, it is useful to understand what extra care and precautionary measures you can take.
- In the first place, you can follow the guidance on NHS Inform for people at higher risk.
- Find out about the latest guidance in your area: England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
- As long as you have no COVID-19 symptoms and take every precaution, you are allowed to continue visiting someone who relies on you for care – find out what protective measures you should take.
- If you do start having symptoms, it is imperative that you self-isolate and take the right steps to get tested immediately – see below.
- Need to consider a contingency plan? For suggestions on arranging alternative care, see our guidance on making a plan.
When providing essential care
If you are concerned about the risk COVID-19 still poses, you can take a range of careful measures such as wearing a face covering, keeping the environment well ventilated, frequently washing your hands and cleaning all shared surfaces, whilst minimising any contact where possible.
You can also find advice about protecting those who are most vulnerable to the virus here. If you don't live with someone you care for, see the Personal Protective Equipment recommendations under 'What other protective measures can you take?'
If you become ill and no one can fill in for you, contact your council or trust straight away and explain the situation.
Getting tested
If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you can request a PCR test for yourself to see if you have the virus, or on behalf of someone you care for – see this NHS page for more details.
If you do not have symptoms and cannot get tests from your work, school, college or university, you can order a rapid lateral flow test. If you're unsure, check here.
Home-testing lateral flow kits can be ordered free of charge and will arrive in the post imminently. It is vital to stay well away from others and arrange cover for anyone you care for if you suspect you have the virus.
Please remember that if you test positive using a rapid lateral flow test you should self-isolate immediately, and report your test results, whether they are positive or negative.
Getting vaccinated
If you have not yet received a vaccine for COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that you arrange this. You can notify your GP or arrange one online. You may need to register with a GP practice if you haven't already.
Proving you are a carer
Some people are worried about having to prove they are a carer during the pandemic in order to travel and demonstrate they are exempt to certain rules.
Many local authority areas run different ID schemes, such as Carer Passports, Carer Emergency Cards, Carers Discount Cards, but not all do. Look at your local carers’ organisation or local authority website to see what is available: carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/local-support
Alternatively you could contact your GP practice or your local NHS Trust. If the person you are looking after is under their care, you could register as a carer (if you haven’t already) and request a standard letter that identifies you as a carer.
In Northern Ireland, an ID card has been released for carers – see this page for more information.
What other protective measures can you take?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
See personal protective equipment (PPE): local contacts for providers for details of local authorities and local resilience forums you can contact that are currently making PPE available to unpaid carers.
In Scotland, PPE is also free to unpaid carers from your local authority – read more. Find out more about PPE in Wales and Northern Ireland.
For details about what type of PPE would be suitable, see 'Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on this page. You can continue to access PPE through your usual channels though, if you already use PPE because of the nature of the care you provide.
Face coverings
Face coverings are still recommended (and in some instances mandatory) in indoor public settlings and on some modes of transport. For more information, see 'What's the latest guidance on face coverings?'
Contact tracing
If you haven’t done so already, you can download a free official app to protect you and your loved ones and be prepared in your area. In England and Wales, this is the NHS COVID-19 app. While in Scotland, this is called Protect Scot. In Northern Ireland, the test and trace app can be found here.
Are there long-term effects from coronavirus (long COVID)?
After having COVID-19, some people find that they have lingering effects from the virus. It is important to seek help if you (or someone you care for) are being affected. The NHS provides useful guidance to help you recognise the signs and aid recovery here.
They have a dedicated website to provide support if you're caring for someone with long-term effects: www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/your-wellbeing/family-friends-and-carers/
