Last updated: 7 January 2021
We are committed to supporting all our residents and providing extra support for the most vulnerable in our community. We will be working to keep providing critical services that need to be available for groups including older people, those who need safeguarding and those in receipt of benefit payments.
Here is a list of the council services and their current status during national lockdown:
Visiting care homes
The number of infections in our area continue to rise, and we need to protect those who are most vulnerable from COVID-19. In line with current government national lockdown guidance and the further advice for residential homes, no indoor visits can take place unless they have substantial screens or visitor pods. Close-contact indoor visits are not allowed. No visits will be permitted in the event of an outbreak.
Day services
The infection rates in most parts of Hampshire are currently higher than any other time during the pandemic. We are seeing increased levels of community transmission and outbreaks in social care settings. In addition, people with learning disabilities are at higher risk of poor outcomes if they become infected with COVID-19, when compared to the general population.
In line with both public health advice and the national lockdown guidance, we took the difficult decision to close all day services until at least Monday 1 February 2021, except for those with most critical need.
Respite services
You will be able to access respite services. The support available will be limited to caring for people from one household at any one time. We will be prioritising access by reviewing the needs of those being cared for and their carers.
Home care and residential care
Please visit our care homes pages for more information.
Support available to you
If you have any questions or need support, please get in touch with the COVID-19 helpline.
The COVID-19 helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm by calling 023 8083 4800. Or if you need to talk to someone about your care and support needs please telephone 0238 0833 003.
Shielding advice for clinically extremely vulnerable
Due to being at higher risk of becoming very unwell from catching COVID-19, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable should now follow shielding guidance. This means:
- To not attend work, school, college or university
- Limit the time you spend outside the home
- Only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential
If you do not have friends or family that can help you and need emergency food support, help with getting medication, or would like someone to talk to, please call our COVID-19 helpline 023 8083 4800, open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm, or complete our online form.