Protecting those who are vulnerable to severe illness due to COVID-19

• solid organ transplant recipients;
• people with specific cancers:
  • people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy;
  • people with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy;
  • 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 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• people with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), homozygous sickle cell);
• people on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection;
• women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired;
• adults with Down’s syndrome;
• adults on dialysis or with chronic kidney disease (stage 5);
• people who live in long term care and residential homes;
• other people who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable based on the clinical judgement of their GP or hospital clinician.

Additional groups may also be at moderate risk making people clinically vulnerable to COVID-19. These include people who are older, for example those over 70, and those with certain medical conditions.

These include people who:

• have less severe respiratory conditions;
• have chronic heart disease, such as heart failure;
• have chronic kidney disease, such as kidney failure;
• have chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis;
• have chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy;
• have diabetes type 1 or type 2 requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs or diet-controlled;
• have a condition that means they have a higher risk of infection;
• are seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above);
• are currently pregnant.

Other things may make you more at risk of serious COVID-19 illness such as;

• being obese, with a BMI over 30;
• being over 60;
• being from a black, Asian or  minority ethnic background.

It is important to only use accurate and up to date information.

The symptoms of coronavirus infection may be;

• New and severe fatigue
• New muscle ache for no obvious reason
• Headache (sinus pain, pain around eyes)
• Loss of smell/taste
• Sore throat
• Fever (high temperature, rigors, chills, can’t get warm)
• Shortness of breath, chest tightness
• Continuous new cough
• Children and Over 80s and 90s – loose stool, mild fever, not themselves with a cough presenting later

If you do become unwell;

• In an emergency call 999
• If you are ill but not severely unwell, stay at home, call your GP on the usual practice number
• If you don’t feel you need the GP but have symptoms, call the helpline on 01481 756938 or 01481 756969.

The States of Guernsey publishes information on the COVID-19 webpages on this website and regularly releases information across the media in Guernsey. This information is specific to Guernsey and will help guide you.

Your GP and specialist healthcare teams are able to help support you with information specific to your needs. The website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/other-conditions-and-coronavirus/ has more information for people with certain medical conditions for example asthma or high blood pressure, and the risks of coronavirus infection.

• Educate yourself about COVID19 from trusted sources.
• Arrange repeat prescriptions and continue your medications.
• Have ready some over the counter medicines and medical supplies, for example tissues or thermometer, to treat fever.
• As much as possible keep physically active to ensure you are in the best physical condition.
• Have enough groceries and household supplies for about 2 weeks in stock, prepare gradually and avoid panic buying.
• Activate your social network. Contact family, friends and neighbours to make some joint plans on what you would do if COVID19 was spreading in the community or if you become unwell.

If you do become unwell;

• In an emergency call 999.
• If you are ill but not severely unwell, stay at home, call your GP on the usual practice number and inform them of your symptoms and any travel history.
• If you don’t feel you need the GP but have symptoms, call the helpline on 01481 756938 or 01481 756969.

There are greater risks of acquiring any respiratory infection with close personal contact or enclosed and crowded spaces. But the measures which can reduce risks are;

• Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus. These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
• During the winter season it is also advisable to avoid contact with anyone who is displaying any respiratory symptoms, for example a sore throat.
• If leaving your house use measures of social distancing and enhanced hygiene to help reduce the risk of infection.
• This includes washing your hands or using a hand sanitiser and avoiding touching your face.
• Ensure that all surfaces in your house are kept clean by wiping these down regularly.
• Do not travel outside of the Bailiwick unless the travel is essential.
• Consider carefully whether to attend any gatherings, although this remains your personal choice.
• Specific consideration should be given on the advisability of attending indoor crowed gatherings where there may be no natural ventilation.
• Consider the possibility of using a mask when you are in indoor crowded spaces.
• Consider limiting exposure to other people by arranging deliveries for shopping or medication.