12th April 2020
As we head into an extended period of ‘lockdown’ we would like to assure you all that we remain committed to supporting and improving areas of concern in the community.
At this time, the focus is on mitigating the spread of COVID19 amongst our community and beyond. We are all being asked to stay at home and to practice “social distancing” if it is necessary to be outside. While this is frustrating for many, it is worrying particularly for those who are unable to get shopping and medicines under these conditions.
Family, friends and neighbours have been helping those who are ‘shielding’ or in self isolation and, we have a pool of local volunteers ready and actively providing support to vulnerable and elderly members of our community with these essential requirements.
You can still volunteer. Call: 07413536011 or email: yokecoco@gmail.com If you are isolated and require assistance, the contact details are the same We want to make sure that no-one in our community is neglected!
A host of information is also available from:
• https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-shielding-contacts/
Links for help if you have been affected financially:
• Glasgow City Council https://glasgow.gov.uk/coronavirus
• The Scottish Government: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Details of shielding support for vulnerable people, food and medicine deliveries and other support services:
•https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/ and Money Talk Team, Citizens Advice Scotland. Call 0800 085 7145 or visit https://financialhealthcheck.scot/home
On a more practical note, all this handwashing has resulted in distressed skin! NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Dermatology team has issued some top tips for keeping hands healthy in response to COVID-19.
While it’s crucial for us all to be washing our hands more often, many will also have experienced symptoms of dermatitis such as dry, itchy skin, rashes and/or swelling. Here is some practical advice for ensuring we are able to keep hands clean – in line with national guidance – while also maintaining our hands in good condition!
• Wash hands regularly with soap, paying attention to areas between the fingers and around the nails, for 20 seconds. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Apply moisturiser after drying your hands. This should be fragrance-free. You might want to use a greasier moisturiser at bedtime under cotton gloves (or socks) if hands are particularly chapped.
• Avoid any wet work if your skin is very dry or splitting.
• Try to wear gloves for household chores.
• Avoid unnecessary tasks that add extra stress to the hands e.g. use of bleach, painting and decorating, gardening, car washing etc.
• Mild topical steroids can be purchased over the counter from community pharmacies which can be useful if skin itchy or inflamed. Use twice a day for a week whilst adhering to good hand care rules. Stay safe
