General Information

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The following information is from Public Health England and Gov.UK web pages. Last updated 23.9.2020

It provides

• Our response as a council  – Go to section
• Guidance for all members of the Public – Go to section
• Advice for if you have COVID symptoms – Go to section
• Guidance for those who are extremely vulnerable – Go to section
• Useful links to support mental health – Go to section
• Employment and income information during coronavirus – Go to section
• Education – Go to section
• Routine Vaccinations – Go to Section
• Ramadan 2020 advice – Go to section
• Information about deliveries – Go to section
• Transcription of Public Health Briefing on COVID-19 (15.4.2020) – Go to section
• Other useful links – Go to section

Our Response as a Council

To read about our response as a council please click here.

If you need help during the crisis please download this flyer and see how Coventry City Council can help.

Guidance for all member of the Public

Advice for if you have COVID-19 Symptoms 

Symptoms

The most important symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above, stay at home and arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19 – go to testing to arrange.

Main messages

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 however mild, self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. You should arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19 – go to testing to arrange. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

If you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19, self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken. If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, restart your 10-day isolation from the day you developed symptoms.

From 28 September, you could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate following a positive test result for COVID-19 or if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and instructed to self-isolate.

After 10 days, if you still have a temperature you should continue to self-isolate and seek medical advice. You do not need to self-isolate after 10 days if you only have a cough or loss of sense of smell or taste, as these symptoms can last for several weeks after the infection has gone. See the ending isolation section below for more information.

If you live with others, all other household members need to stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the household became ill or if they do not have symptoms, from the day their test was taken. If anyone else in the household starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for at least 10 days from when their symptoms appear, regardless of what day they are on in their original 14-day isolation period. The ending isolation section below has more information.

If you have symptoms, try and stay as far away from other members of your household as possible. It is especially important to stay away from anyone who is clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable with whom you share a household.

Reduce the spread of infection in your home by washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser, and cover coughs and sneezes.

Consider alerting people who you do not live with and have had close contact within the last 48 hours to let them know you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Following a positive test result, you will receive a request by text, email or phone to log into the NHS Test and Trace service website and provide information about recent close contacts.

If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, then use the NHS 111 online COVID-19 service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms again at any point after ending your first period of isolation (self or household), follow the guidance on self-isolation again. The section below has further information.

Who is this guidance for?

This guidance is intended for:

• people who have received a positive test result of COVID-19
• people with symptoms of COVID-19 who are waiting for a test result, or who have not been tested and do not require hospital treatment
• people living in households with someone who shows symptoms of or who has received a positive test result for COVID-19

Will my household be tested if we think we have COVID-19 symptoms?

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 needs to immediately self-isolate and arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19 – go to testing to arrange.

If you develop symptoms you may wish to alert the people who you do not live with and that you have had close contact with over the last 48 hours to let them know that you might have COVID-19 but are waiting for a test result. At this stage, those people should not self-isolate. Alerting those that you have been in contact with means they can take extra care in practising social distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene. They can also be more alert to any symptoms they might develop.

People who have tested positive will receive a text, email or phone call requesting that they log into the NHS Test and Trace website to create a confidential account where they can record details about their recent close contacts. If you do not have access to the internet, then you will be phoned by a contact tracer working for the NHS Test and Trace service. The information you provide will be handled in strict confidence and will enable the NHS Test and Trace service to contact those people and provide them with advice on whether they should go into self-isolation. The people contacted will not be told your identity, but by alerting them when you first develop symptoms, you can help make sure that they are prepared for being contacted by the Test and Trace service.

Why staying at home is very important

It is very important that people with symptoms of or a positive COVID-19 test and their household members stay at home. Staying at home will help prevent the spread of the virus to family, friends, the wider community, and particularly those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test, remain at home for at least 10 days after the onset of your symptoms (see ending self-isolation below). This will reduce the risk of you infecting others.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test, then you should avoid contact with other household members as much as possible.

Other members of your household, including those who do not have any symptoms, need to stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. Do not go out even to buy food or other essentials, and any exercise should be taken within your home. This 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in your house became ill or if they do not have symptoms, from the day their test was taken. There is more information in the ending self-isolation section below.

Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

While you are self-isolating, make sure you do the following things

Stay at home

You and everyone else in your household needs to remain at home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis.

Nobody should go out even to buy food or other essentials, and any exercise should be taken within your home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online. Delivery drivers should not come into your home, so make sure you ask them to leave items outside for collection.

Further guidance on accessing food and essential supplies is available at Accessing food and essential supplies.

If you are unable to work due to COVID-19, please refer to this guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions to find out about the support that is available to you.

Living with children

Not all these measures will be possible if you are living with children but keep following this guidance to the best of your ability.

Children with COVID-19 appear to be less severely affected. It is nevertheless important to do your best to ensure that all members of your household follow this guidance.

For those with learning disabilities, autism or serious mental illness

Not all these measures will be possible if you, or those you are living with, have significant conditions such as learning disabilities, autism or serious mental illness. Please keep following this guidance to the best of your ability, whilst keeping yourself and those close to you safe and well, ideally in line with any existing care plans.

Avoid contact with other members of your household as much as possible

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to reduce the spread of infection to others in your household as much as possible.

You should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window to the outside that can be opened, separate from other people in your home if this is possible. Keep the door closed.

Use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household, if available. If you have to share these facilities, regular cleaning will be required. If a separate bathroom is not available, consider drawing up a bathroom rota for washing or bathing. You should use the facilities last, before thoroughly cleaning the bathroom. You should use separate towels from other household members, both for drying yourself after bathing or showering and for hand hygiene purposes.

You should avoid using shared spaces such as kitchens whilst others are present. Take your meals back to your room to eat. Use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry your used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them by hand using detergent and warm water and dry them thoroughly, using a separate tea towel.

If you have a clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable person living with you

Where possible, arrange for anyone who is clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable to move out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of your home isolation period.

If you cannot arrange for vulnerable people to move out of your home, stay away from them as much as possible, following the guidance here. For the clinically extremely vulnerable please follow the Shielding guidance.

Those who are clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable should be supported to take precautions to minimise their contact with other people in your household, regardless of whether others have symptoms or not. They should minimise time spent in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas. Any shared spaces should be well ventilated.

If they can, clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable people should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. If this is not possible, consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with the clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable person using the facilities first. They should use separate towels from the rest of the household, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and when washing their hands.

If they can, clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable members of the household should have their meals in their own rooms. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry the family’s used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly. If the clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable person is using their own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.

It will be difficult for some people to separate themselves from others at home. You need to do your very best to follow this guidance and everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Wash your hands often

Clean your hands frequently by washing them with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser. This will help protect you and the people you live with. This is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of passing infection to others.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand. Dispose of tissues into a rubbish bag and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser.

If you have a carer, they should use disposable tissues to wipe away any mucus or phlegm after you have sneezed or coughed. Then they should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Face coverings

Used correctly, a face covering may help to protect others by reducing the transmission of COVID-19.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result and you live with others, consider using a face covering inside your home when spending time in shared parts of the household, in addition to avoiding contact with other members of the household as much as possible. Stay at home for at least 10 days from when the symptoms started or from the date of your test, wearing a face covering does not replace this.

Further guidance on the use of face coverings is available along with instructions on how to make your own face covering.

People who are self-isolating, and members of their household, should double bag disposable face coverings and store them for 72 hours before putting them in a ‘black bag’ waste bin.

Cleaning and disposal of waste

When cleaning you should use your usual household products, like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and table tops. This is particularly important if you have a clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable person in the house.

Clean a shared bathroom each time you use it, for example, by wiping the surfaces you have touched.

Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin.

Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.

Laundry

To minimise the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.

Wash items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All dirty laundry can be washed in the same load.

If you do not have a washing machine, wait a further 72 hours after your self-isolation has ended when you can then take the laundry to a public launderette.

Do not share towels, including hand towels and tea towels.

Do not have visitors in your home

Do not invite or allow social visitors, such as other friends or family, to enter your home.

If you or a family member receive essential care in your home, then carers should continue to visit. Carers should follow the relevant guidance to reduce the risk of you passing on the infection.

If you have pets in the household

COVID-19 in the UK is spread between humans. There is limited evidence that some animals, including pets, can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) following close contact with infected humans.

At this time, there is no evidence that pets can transmit the disease to humans, however, you should wash your hands after handling your pets or their waste.

What you can do to help yourself get better

Drink water to keep yourself hydrated. You should drink enough during the day so your urine is a pale clear colour.

You can use over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol, to help with some of your symptoms. Use these according to the instructions on the packet or label and do not exceed the recommended dose.

If you or your family need to seek medical advice

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness or the illness of someone in your household is worsening. If it’s not an emergency, contact the NHS 111 online COVID-19 service. If you have no internet access, call NHS 111.

If it is a medical emergency and you need to call an ambulance, dial 999 and inform the call handler or operator that you or your relative have COVID-19 symptoms.

All routine medical and dental appointments should usually be cancelled while you and the family are staying at home. If you are concerned or have been asked to attend in person within the period you are self-isolating, discuss this with your medical contact first (for example, your GP or dentist, local hospital or outpatient service), using the number they have provided.

Looking after your wellbeing while staying at home

Staying at home for a prolonged period can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some people, and you or other household members may feel low. It can be particularly challenging if you don’t have much space or access to a garden.

It’s important to remember to take care of your mind as well as your body and to get support if you need it. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media. There are also sources of support and information that can help, such as the Every Mind Matters website.

Think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have stayed at home for a week or more have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films. If you feel well enough you can take part in light exercise within your home.

Many people find it helpful to remind themselves why what they are doing is so important. Hopefully, none of your family will experience anything more than mild symptoms, but some people are badly affected by COVID-19. By staying home, you are helping to protect your friends and family, and other people in your community, as well as making sure the NHS does not get overwhelmed.

There are things that you can do to help make self-isolation easier. These include:

• planning ahead and thinking about what you will need in order to be able to stay at home for the full duration of isolation
• talking to your employer, friends and family to ask for their help to access the things you will need while staying at home
• thinking about and planning how you can get access to food and other supplies, such as medications, that you will need during this period
• asking friends or family to drop off anything you need or ordering supplies online, but make sure these are left outside your home for you to collect
• ensuring that you keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or through social media
• thinking about things you can do during your time at home. People who have successfully completed a period of staying at home have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
• planning out the full days of your self-isolation on a calendar, which many people find helpful. You may also find it helpful to plan in advance what you will do if, for example, someone in your household were to feel much worse, such as having difficulties breathing
• remembering that physical exercise can be good for your wellbeing, when you are feeling better. Look for online classes or courses that can help you take light exercise in your home

If you are breastfeeding while infected

There is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. Infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as to anyone in close contact with you. The current evidence is that children with COVID-19 get much less severe symptoms than adults. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of the virus through breast milk or by being in close contact; however, this will be an individual decision and can be discussed with your midwife, health visitor or GP by telephone.

If you or a family member are feeding with formula or expressed milk, you should sterilise the equipment carefully before each use. You should not share bottles or a breast pump with someone else.

You can find more information at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website.

Ending self-isolation and household isolation

Ending self-isolation

If you have had symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test, then you may end your self-isolation after 10 days and return to your normal routine if you do not have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell or taste. If you still have a high temperature, keep self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal and seek medical advice.

After 10 days, if you just have a cough or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia), you do not need to continue to self-isolate. This is because a cough or anosmia can last for several weeks once the infection has gone. The 10-day period starts from the day when you first became ill.

If you continue to feel unwell and have not already sought medical advice, you should use the NHS 111 online COVID-19 service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

Ending household isolation

After 10 days, if the first person to become ill feels better and no longer has symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell/taste they can return to their normal routine.

If you live with others, then everyone else in the household who remains well should end their isolation after 14 days. This 14-day period starts from the day the first person in the household became ill. People in the household who remain well after 14 days are unlikely to be infectious.

If anyone in the household becomes unwell during the 14-day period, they should arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19 – go to testing to arrange. If their test result is positive, they need to follow the same advice for people with COVID-19 symptoms – that is, after 10 days of their symptoms starting, if they feel better and no longer have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell or taste – they can also return to their normal routine. However, if their test result is negative, they need to continue with isolation as part of the household for the full 14 days.

Should someone develop COVID-19 symptoms late in the 14-day household isolation period (for example, on day 10 or later) the isolation period for the rest of the household does not need to be extended. Only the person with new COVID-19 symptoms has to stay at home for at least a further 10 days and should arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19 – go to testing to arrange.

At the end of the 14-day period, anyone in the household who has not become unwell can return to their normal routine.

If any person in the household with COVID-19 symptoms has not had any signs of improvement and has not already sought medical advice, they should use the NHS 111 online COVID-19 service. If they do not have internet access, they should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency, they should dial 999.

A cough or anosmia (a loss of, or change, in the sense of taste or smell), may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the infection having cleared. A persistent cough or anosmia does not mean someone needs to continue to self-isolate for more than 10 days.

After ending self-isolation and/or household isolation

What to do if you have another episode of COVID-19 symptoms after the end of your first period of self-isolation or household isolation

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms again at any point after ending your first period of staying at home (self-isolation or household isolation), follow this guidance on self-isolation again.

This means stay at home for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started if you live alone and arrange to have a test. If you live in a household, stay at home for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started, arrange a test for yourself, and all other household members need to stay at home for 14 days.

This will help to ensure that you are continuing to protect others within your household and in your community by minimising the amount of infection that is passed on.

If you previously tested positive for COVID-19 and have another episode of symptoms, do you need to self-isolate again?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you will probably have developed some immunity to the disease. But it cannot be guaranteed that will happen in all cases, nor exactly for how long that will last.

If you have previously tested positive but develop symptoms again, self-isolate for at least 10 days from onset of symptoms and arrange to have a test. If you live in a household, all other household members need to stay at home for 14 days.

If you are concerned about your new possible COVID-19 symptoms, use the NHS 111 online COVID-19 service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

New legal requirements for self-isolation

From 28 September, you could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate following a positive test result for COVID-19, or if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and instructed to self-isolate because you are a contact of someone who has had a positive test result. From this date, if you test positive for COVID-19, it will also be an offence to knowingly provide false information about your close contacts to NHS Test and Trace. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fine of up to £10,000. These regulations will only apply in England.

From 28 September, you may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate. Local authorities will be putting arrangements in place to make these payments, with further details to be made available shortly. You will be eligible if you live in England and meet all the following criteria:

• you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
• you are employed or self-employed
• you cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• you are claiming at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit

Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

Websites that have useful advice and mental health tips regarding Coronavirus include:

Doctors of the World – advice for patients on Coronavirus in various languages https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information/

Mind website https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#collapse620

Anxiety UK https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/blog/health-and-other-forms-of-anxiety-and-coronavirus/

OCD-UK https://www.ocduk.org/ocd-and-coronavirus-survival-tips/

Every Mind Matters https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

BABCP Covid-19 Anxiety Blog http://letstalkaboutcbt.libsyn.com/coping-with-anxiety-about-coronavirus

Research in Practice has created a useful page full of information on domestic abuse and what options are available to victims during the COVID-19 crisis – https://www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/news-views/2020/april/domestic-abuse-in-the-coronavirus-epidemic/

Employment and Income During Coronavirus

Information for employees

You can get £94.25 per week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

If you cannot work while you are self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you could get SSP for every day you’re in isolation. You must self-isolate for at least 4 days to be eligible. This includes individuals who are caring for people in the same household and therefore have been advised to do a household quarantine.

If you are not eligible for SSP – for example if you are self-employed or earning below the Lower Earnings Limit of £118 per week – and you have COVID-19 or are advised to self-isolate, you can now more easily make a claim for Universal Credit (UC) or new style Employment and Support Allowance. For more information on how to claim, please visit https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance.

Proof of sickness

If you have COVID-19 or are advised to stay at home, you can get an ‘isolation note’ by visiting NHS 111 online, rather than visiting a doctor. For COVID-19 cases this replaces the usual need to provide a ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) after 7 days of sickness absence.

Furloughed workers

Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) by clicking here.

Universal Credit

If your salary is reduced as a result of these changes, you may be eligible for support through the welfare system, including Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and not Coventry City Council.

Support for rent costs

You should check your eligibility for Universal Credit, which is available for people in and out of work. Support for rental costs will be paid through Universal Credit.

Council Tax Support

Council tax Support is a means tested discount which helps low income households with the cost of Council Tax payments.

If your household is classed as being of working age, then you will need to pay at least 15 per cent of your council tax bill. You may receive help with the remaining 85 per cent depending on your income and the makeup of your household. Pension age households can receive up to 100 per cent support depending on their circumstances.

A 25% discount applies to all single households. Claim Council Tax Support. Exemptions apply for people who are severely mentally impaired and live on their own.

You will receive your Council Tax bill in March telling you how much you have to pay. How to pay your Council Tax.

Housing rental payments

Contact your landlord if you’re struggling to pay rent; they may be able to give a rent reduction or accept late payment. Make sure you get something in writing. The Government announced on 18 March that landlords will not be able to apply to court to evict tenants for at least three months. That includes if you rent from a private landlord, a housing association or the council. The new law is expected to come in very soon.

Mortgage payments

Mortgage lenders have announced they won’t apply to court to repossess homeowners for 3 months starting from 19 March. They will also allow a three-month payment holiday for those struggling to cover their mortgage because of coronavirus. Be aware that this option may mean your monthly mortgage payment goes up after the payment holiday ends. Check if you have insurance that will cover your mortgage payments instead. For example, mortgage payment protection insurance or through your current account

Information for self-employed

If you are self-employed and you have COVID-19 or are advised to self-isolate, you can now more easily make a claim for Universal Credit (UC) or new style Employment and Support Allowance. For more information on how to claim, please   visit https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance.

If you are self-employed and receiving Universal Credit and you have COVID-19 or are advised to self-isolate, the requirements of the Minimum Income Floor will be temporarily relaxed. This change took effect on 13 March and will last for the duration of the outbreak, to ensure that self-employed UC claimants will receive support.

If you need to claim Universal Credit but have COVID-19 or are self-isolating, you will now be able to claim and to access advance payments upfront without needing to attend a Jobcentre Plus.

If you’re self-employed, Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system can be deferred to January 2021.

Businesses

All businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time To Pay service. These arrangements are agreed on a case-by-case basis and are tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities.

Please follow the link for more information based on the size of your business:   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19

Free advice

You can receive free and impartial advice on a range of matters from organisations including:

• Consumer rights: Free consumer protection advice from the Government on issues including contracts, goods and services
• Employee rights: Free advice on worker’s rights from the Government
• Money Advice Service: Free and impartial money advice from an organisation set up by the Government
• Citizens Advice Service: Free advice on a range of topics including debt, money and finances; law and court and consumer rights
• Shelter: Free advice on issues such as housing, homelessness, eviction, repairs and repossession

Coventry specific support

Coventry City Council Customer Services  https://www.coventry.gov.uk/

Passionate and dedicated support from housing, benefits, bin collection and recycling, to education, care and safeguarding and many other areas.

Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre  https://www.covrefugee.org/

Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre (CRMC) welcomes and empowers asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants in Coventry to rebuild their lives and achieve their potential.

Coventry Family Hubs  https://www.coventry.gov.uk/familyhubs

The family hub model is an approach to the delivery of early help services centralised around a building, where a number of different services providing information and support to families, children and young people are based. They will provide early help and support for families, children and young people aged 0 – 19 years up to age 24 where a young person has a disability.

Coventry Foodbank  https://coventry.foodbank.org.uk/

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Coventry Jesus Centre  https://www.coventryjesuscentre.org.uk/

Jesus Centres are places where we provide services to restore dignity and create community. Friendship and help are available for every type of person. The homeless and disadvantaged find a particular welcome at Jesus Centre. They continue to offer ESOL and Conversation Cafes. Please email info@coventryjesuscentre.org.uk for more information.

Central England Law Centre Coventry  https://www.centralenglandlc.org.uk/

We provide free specialist legal advice to those most in need and use legal processes to fight social exclusion.  We advocate for people, challenge unfair decisions, take cases to the highest courts and work in partnerships with other support services.

Coventry Women’s Partnership  http://www.fwt.org.uk/social/coventry-womens-partnership/

This is a city-wide programme that aims to improve economic outcomes for women by providing access to skills, training, confidence building, support into employment and help with overcoming barriers.

Partners:

Foleshill Women’s Training  http://www.fwt.org.uk/

Coventry Haven Women’s Aid  https://www.coventryhaven.co.uk/

CRASAC  http://www.crasac.org.uk/

KairosWWT  https://kairoswwt.org.uk/

Coventry Law Centre   https://www.centralenglandlc.org.uk/

St Francis Assisi Church https://www.stfranciscoventry.org/

We are a lively and busy church based on Links Road – open throughout the week for a wide range of activities and community support including free meals, ESOL classes, work clubs, volunteering and many other interesting workshops.

Carriers of Hope  https://www.carriersofhope.org.uk/

Dedicated to helping Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Eastern European Migrants in the Coventry Area. We can help you with food, furniture items, clothes, baby items, toys, toiletries and other essential items.

Positive Youth Foundation  https://www.positiveyouthfoundation.org/

Supporting young people to achieve their potential in all areas of life.

Positive Youth Foundation is offering an employment hotline for young people aged 15-24! Those who want advice can call 07958 325426 on Monday and Friday.

Share My Language Rhymetime  https://fo-fo.facebook.com/events/coventry-library/share-my-language-rhymetimes/2305193513082041/

A fascinating activity session for children and parents with songs, music, poems and lots of interesting and entertaining educational elements.

Citizens Advice have advice on employment, managing financially and how to access the right support and benefits – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/

Loan Shark Advice 

What is a ‘Loan Shark’?

A loan shark is a moneylender who charges extremely high rates of interest on people who borrow money from them, typically under illegal conditions.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) recognise that this period may be one of increased financial pressure for some people.

The Team is fully committed to ensuring that illegal money lenders (loan sharks) do not take advantage and profit from other people’s hardship.

The Stop Loan Sharks helping service (0300 555 2222) remains open and fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers encourage not only victims but friends, family members and the wider community to come forward if they suspect someone is suffering at the hands of loan sharks.

Education

Some young people may be eligible to receive digital devices and Internet access to support remote learning.

This includes

• care leavers
• children and young people aged 0 to 19 with a social worker
• disadvantaged year 10 pupils

People aged 16 to 19 without a suitable device for education will be eligible for support through the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. Those offering 16 to 19 education should visit the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund to find out about eligibility for relevant funding and support.

For more information and to apply for digital devices and/or Internet access, please go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-help-with-technology-for-remote-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19#who-is-eligible-to-receive-digital-devices-and-internet-access

Online Learning Resources

Every weekday CRMC is running Kahoot ESOL challenges! To get involved with videos and challenges, request to join the Facebook group that can be found below! https://www.facebook.com/groups/514046279309410/?ref=group_header

St Francis Employability is running quizzes & videos posted to its Facebook page and website! Click the link below to find out more and get involved https://en-gb.facebook.com/stfcov

This Facebook page offers regular maths lessons for FREE whilst schools are closed. They are pitched at KS1, 2 and 3 level. Click the link to discover more https://www.facebook.com/pg/hykmaths/events/?ref=page_internal

Maddie Moate is doing a range of free science videos on YouTube for children! To check them out go to https://www.youtube.com/user/maddiemoate

Younger children may be interested in Share My Language Rhymetime sessions held every Thursday at 11am on Facebook Live (MiFriendly Cities page). This activity session for children and parents includes songs, music, rhymes and lots of interesting and entertaining educational elements – specifically focused on cultural and language exchange. https://fo-fo.facebook.com/events/coventry-library/share-my-language-rhymetimes/2305193513082041/

Follow @covlibraries on Facebook and Twitter for some suggested reading and information on books that available electronically https://www.facebook.com/pg/covlibraries/

Free School Meals

During this time, the Government has extended its Free School Meals provision to some children with families that have no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

The categories that might be eligible are:

• Children of ‘Zambrano Carers’
• Children of families granted leave to remain under Article 8 European Convention on Human Rights
• Children of families are supported under Section 17 Children Act 1989 and that have No Recourse to Public Funds
• Children of a subset of failed asylum seekers supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Please click here for more advice on eligibility and guidance on how to apply.

Routine Vaccinations 

Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. They prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide every year.

Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or seen very rarely.

Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have been reduced by up to 99.9% since their vaccines were introduced.  However, if people stop having vaccines, infectious diseases may quickly spread again.

Doctors and nurses in Coventry are eager to continue immunisations during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect residents and they want to re-assure people that they have worked hard to keep women and families safe from COVID-19.  Please note that all routine childhood vaccinations are free.

All vaccines are thoroughly tested to make sure they will not harm you or your child.

It often takes many years for a vaccine to make it through the trials and tests it needs to pass for approval.

Speak to your GP practice or your Health Visitor if you’re worried about you or your child having a vaccine.  You can text your Health Visitor on CHAT Health: 07507329114 or through Facebook FB @coventryhealthvisiting

Listen to a Coventry Health Visitor talking about the important of vaccinations her https://youtu.be/FpwiE3kIxcU

Key messages

• Maintaining your baby’s vaccination schedule is vital to help ensure they are protected against dangerous preventable diseases https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
• Children must receive their pre-school booster before entering school; it’s never been more important to protect our school communities from preventable diseases
• The vaccination programme has not stopped; it has continued to be offered by GP practices throughout the COVID19 crisis
• It is safe to visit your GP surgery for routine vaccinations, they are taking extra precautions to ensure you remain safe. You can always ring and speak to them if you have any concerns
• It is important to get routine vaccines on time and every time. Don’t wait until a disease outbreak
• Protect your NHS and get vaccinated
• Protect your school and community and get vaccinated

More information

For information about why vaccines are important and safe go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/why-vaccination-is-safe-and-important/

This webpage allows you to listen to a GP answering frequently asked questions about immunisations

A list of all NHS vaccinations and when to have them can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

For in depth information about all of the vaccinations available please go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/

Pork gelatine can be found in the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccination but there is another MMR vaccine that you can have that does not have pork gelatine in it, but you must ask your GP for this vaccine before your appointment.  Click here for more information on how and why pork gelatine is used in very few vaccines https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccines-and-porcine-gelatine.  This leaflet is available in English, Urdu, Bengali and Arabic.

A range of information about vaccinations, the importance of vaccinations in a range of languages is available at https://medlineplus.gov/languages/childhoodimmunization.html

The Government has produced a leaflet explaining the importance of the MMR vaccine in Polish, Romanian and Somali which can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet

Tuberculosis vaccine (called the BCG)

In the UK, like many other countries, the BCG is offered to babies who are likely to come into contact with someone with Tuberculosis (TB). This includes babies who live in an area with high rates of TB or babies with parents or grandparents from a country with high rates of TB such as A leaflet about which babies should have the vaccine and why the vaccine is important can be found here in Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Hindu, Nepali, Pashto, Punjabi, Somali and Urdu. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tb-bcg-and-your-baby-leaflet

A campaign to raise awareness of the importance of routine childhood vaccinations with Coventry and Warwickshire residents started on the 29^th June. This campaign is fully supported by Coventry GPs.

Ramadan 2020

This year, many people are asking “what does fasting during lock down look like?”

Social isolation, social distancing, government advice on working from home and not attending any large group events mean that faith congregational acts of worship for Muslims have been strictly reduced.

During this difficult time we have to remain within our homes, the houses we live in and only go out for essential food or a period of exercise as per government guidelines, maintaining a 2 metre distance while outside of home and washing our hands regularly.

This Ramadan we ask that, along with our Islamic faith leaders, that everyone:

• Observe Ramadan at home, do not go to visit family or friend’s houses or meet them outside your home
• Pray at home with people you share your home with and do not attend any Mosque or other family or friends houses to pray
• Do not leave the house to distribute food but donate online or via food banks instead

In these unprecedented times it is imperative that public health is put first and in keeping with the UK Government guidance on social distancing, that Ramadan is celebrated in people’s own homes and the family they live with to avoid gathering in congregations at the Mosque or any open space to offer prayers.

#RAMADANATHOME

Ramadan 2020 is a very different experience for Muslims as we continue to adapt to changing circumstances during the Covid19 pandemic, adjusting not only our holy month but our daily lives in accordance with public health guidelines.

This Ramadan social distancing measures are still in place so we haven’t been able to return to  our normal routines. Thus, there have been no congregational acts of worship for Muslims outside of the home – no taraweeh prayers at the mosque or anywhere outside of our homes, no spiritual talks in the community or iftars with friends and family to attend. We have all been trying to adapt to these changes while still enjoying the spiritual lift and community spirit that Ramadan provides.

How to adapt our Ramadan

• Organising taraweeh at home as a family and pray in congregation.
  • Streaming Islamic lectures or taraweeh in your home, either pre-recorded or live
  • Arranging virtual iftars with loved ones and community members through the many online video calling facilities available
  • Planning your iftar menus in advance so that you can limit multiple shopping trips given social distancing measures
  • Hydrating well for the long fasting days. Dehydration can lead to tiredness, headaches, lack of focus/concentration
  • Eating high energy, slow burn foods for suhoor (starting your fast)
  • Remaining energised throughout the workday, especially as we can experience heightened levels of anxiety during these times
  • Taking regular breaks to reflect and take time for yourself. Life can be full, and we try to fill it with more worship during Ramadan. We all want to pray more and this can help with anxiety but it is important to be good to yourself – sometimes it is quality over quality.

More information is at https://www.mcb.org.uk/ramadan

Advice from British Islamic Medical Association in the NHS

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory on all adult Muslims (with exceptions). Many patients and staff will be fasting or wanting to fast in Ramadan.
It helps if NHS frontline staff are aware of, and respect this important religious obligation, and how such beliefs may affect the different elements of care, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen more staff return to the frontline, a change in the way the NHS operates, and a surge in the use of personal protective equipment.

The patients’ perspective
The patient’s choice should be respected and advice should be offered on medical grounds. The Muslim Chaplain/Imam should be consulted where available.
If possible, hospital appointments should be given at appropriate times (i.e. outside prayer times –the Muslim patient will be aware of these times) or at the ending of the fast.
Arrangements for breaking of fast – availability of a quiet prayer space at prayer times would be appreciated.

What does not break the fast
• Injections
• Bloods taken (thumbprick or intravenous)
• Eye or ear drops
• Vaginal pessaries, urethral infusion, transdermal patch (i.e. nicotine patches) concentrate
oxygen, epidural analgesia and haemodialysis
• Eating and drinking out of forgetfulness

For more information please contact info@britishima.org

British Board of Scholars and Imams

The British Board of Scholars and Imans has published detailed guidance on how to celebrate
Ramadan from home: https://www.bssi.org.uk

Advice from Warwickshire Public Health and NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in Warwickshire and Coventry

For more details follow these links:
https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/04/22/stay-at-home-for-ramadan/

Advice in Arabic and other key languages in Warwickshire is on the EQuIP website here:
https://www.equipequality.org.uk/covid-19-updates

Most recent HM Government advice is available here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Coventry City Council website has useful information on social distancing, guidance on what to do is someone is unwell, keeping safe and support services available in different languages here:

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus

Warwickshire County Council website has useful and informative materials on social distancing when shopping or outside in 8 different languages including Urdu, Gujarati and Nepalese
https://warwickshire.gov.uk/socialdistancing

Coventry and Warwickshire GP practices and Accident and Emergency Departments are still open

Local GPs and Accident and Emergency departments in Coventry and Warwickshire are still open during the COVID-19 situation, though how you access them might be slightly different than you’re used to.

Here’s a list of handy Do’s and Don’ts to explain how to see a GP:

Accident and emergency at our local hospitals are also open and it is important
people don’t delay in seeking medical attention in a life-threatening  emergency, but again there are some things to keep in mind:

If you have an ongoing health condition for which you normally attend hospital, please be aware these services may be delivered in different ways than you’re used to. The hospital will contact to inform you of changes to your care.

Remember: If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or
a new, continuous cough, use the online NHS 111 coronavirus service.
Only call 111 if you can’t get online.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has produced the following advice regarding Ramadan 2020 –

“In 2020 Ramadan will be a very different experience for Muslims all over the world due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Read on below for further COVID-19 guidance including #RamadanAtHome, or click here to read the full Ramadan 2020 guidance (PDF).”

“To help you with your #RamadanAtHome, the MCB is hosting a number of social and spiritual events on our social media channels, from daily Qur’an recitations at fajr time to virtual eco-iftars.”

Please go to https://mcb.org.uk/resources/ramadan/ for schedule information, and suggestions such as virtual Iftars.

Alternatively, Amina Koroma (@Akoroma08 on Twitter) has created a series of useful suggestions for Ramadan 2020 and how to utilise technology and platforms such as WhatsApp, which can be found here:

https://twitter.com/Mandy_Sanghera1/status/1250453053473460225?s=20

We have typed them up below, so that users can translate the content by clicking the orange circle with a ‘B’ in.

WhatsApp / Telegram

Set up a manageable group in your locality.

Do a call out on social media for those fasting alone or for the first time, to help build a community.

Set up tasks like the following

• Suhoor wake up call
• Salah reminders
• Affirmations / accountability

Digital Itfars via…

• Zoom
• Facetime
• Skype
• Google Hangouts

Document your experience

• Social media: Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube
• Use the following hashtags: #RamadanOnline #RamadanAtHome #RamadanOnLock or make your own, to build a digital archive of experiences
• Journaling is an offline option

Goal setting

• Set up to 3 goals
• 3 goals in the month, 3 per week or 3 per day
• Make sure it’s manageable

Online Halaqa

• Use video conferencing to watch an online lecture
• Madinah College – @MadinahCollege
• Yaqeen Institute – yaqeeninstitute.org

Learn Arabic

• If it’s on your to do list, there are Arabic language providers holding online classes during Ramadan
• Arabic Institute – arabicinstitute.com

Secret Eid

• Names in a generator
• Assign giftees
• Set a budget ie £5-£10
• Send a gift to your nominee in time for Eid

Actual Eid

• Be creative: Zoom, House Party, SnapChat, Tik Tok collage, Eid #DontRushChallenge fits

InShaAllah you would have made a strong online friendship group during this time. Make sure you meet up in real life when coronavirus is well and truly over.

She has also launched ‘Ramadan Online’ to build a digital network. Currently this is only for the Greater London area, but you can register your interest for extending this to another region by filling in this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyuN26c_wqi9Mw6YAh-0jTtb56Lpuq9nboe3pSB0cKaWMxoQ/viewform

To find out more about Ramadan Online follow @RamadanOnline on Twitter, or @Ramadanon_line on Instagram.

Deliveries

During this time, a lot of delivery companies such as the Royal Mail are limiting the contact they have with customers.

In the case of the Royal Mail, staff are not handing over hand-held devices to customers to get signatures, but will log the name of the person who accepts the delivery. Where an item won’t fit through your letterbox, they will place the item at your door, knock, and then step aside a safe distance while you retrieve your item.

To check the most recent updates from the Royal Mail please click the following link: https://www.royalmail.com/d8/coronavirus-protection

Transcription of Public Health COVID-19 Briefing for Migrant Communities

On the 15^th April 2020, Coventry City Council’s Public Health Department presented a briefing online about the COVID-19 coronavirus, aimed at supporting key people and organisations from Coventry’s migrant communities in disseminating correct and useful information. Public Health have kindly transcribed the presentation for those who could not attend. Please see this below.

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

• New virus
• We don’t have immunity
• Transmission similar to other respiratory diseases – through coughs and sneezes of an infected person (directly or from surfaces)
• Main symptoms:
  • High temperature
  • Persistent dry cough
• Many people will have mild symptoms
• Some groups of people seem more susceptible to the virus than others
• Do not delay getting help if you’re worried. Trust your instincts.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Help people to understand the following key messages
  • Coronavirus symptoms
  • Stay at home to stop the infection spreading
  • Other ways to stop the infection spreading
  • What to do if a person shows symptoms
  • Multilingual advice is available

• How can you do this?
  • Use social media-repost or retweet Coventry City Council messages once a day
  • Talk to people – by text or telephone
  • Promote Coventry City Council support map

Key messages

You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home
• Cultural events such as Ramadan may have to be held differently

These reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

HOW TO STOP THE INFECTION SPREADING?

• Do
• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• Don’t
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Self-isolation helps stop coronavirus spreading

Do not leave your home if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or live with someone who does. This is called self-isolation.

If you are self-isolating, you must:

• not leave your home for any reason, other than to exercise once a day – but stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people
• not go out to buy food or collect medicine – order them by phone or online, or ask someone else to drop them off at your home
• not have visitors, such as friends and family, in your home
• You can use your garden, if you have one.

HOW LONG TO SELF ISOLATE?

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you’ll need to self-isolate for 7 days.  After 7 days:

• if you do not have a high temperature, you do not need to self-isolate
• if you still have a high temperature, keep self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal
• You do not need to self-isolate if you just have a cough after 7 days. A cough can last for several weeks after the infection has gone.

If you live with someone who has symptoms, you’ll need to self-isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started. This is because it can take 14 days for symptoms to appear.

• If more than 1 person at home has symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days from the day the first person started having symptoms.
• If you get symptoms, self-isolate for 7 days from when your symptoms start, even if it means you’re self-isolating for longer than 14 days.
• If you do not get symptoms, you can stop self-isolating after 14 days.

After self-isolation

• You still need to stay at home when you finish self-isolating, but you can go out for essential trips such as buying food.

For a diagram of this guidance click on:

Click Here

Please promote COVID 19 guidance that is available in a range of languages

• uk stay at home guidance for households with potential coronavirus in English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Gujarati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese- Mandarin, Traditional Chinese- Cantonese, Urdu  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
• uk guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK and protecting older people and vulnerable adults in English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Gujarati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese- Mandarin, Traditional Chinese- Cantonese, Urdu  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-peopl
• uk guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable persons in English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Gujarati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese- Mandarin, Traditional Chinese- Cantonese, Urdu  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for patients in : English, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Bulgarian, Czech, Dari, Estonian, Farsi, French, German. Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Kiswahili, Krio, Kurdish Sorani, Lithuanian, Oromo, Malayalam, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Sindhi, Slovak, Spanish, Somali, Tamil, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Wolof, Yiddish. https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information
• Coronavirus advice via video in available in Arabic, Spanish, English, Gujarati and Turkish are available here Keep checking other are being developed http://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-video-advice/
• Welcome to Coventry app. Although the app relates to Coventry, the information about COVID-19 is based on national guidance, is updated daily, and the Browsealoud (orange button) can be used to translate it into multiple languages.

Local support during the pandemic is available at

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus

• How we’re responding as a council
• What to do if you feel unwell, or live with someone who is unwell
• Service disruption, changes and support
• Advice and grants for businesses
• Keeping happy, healthy and occupied at home
• Supporting residents financially
• Community support

The Community support section includes

• Emergency Food Hubs 10 Emergency Food Hubs have been created or strengthened across the city. A central hub will coordinate referrals which can be made by an individual online or over the phone and will continue to support the many people already known to need this service locally. Referrals can be made by calling 08085 834 333
• Operation Shield Support Service To support people who have been strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for a period of at least 12 weeks.
• Support for rough sleepers – During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency, all known rough sleepers and people using night shelters in Coventry had been offered accommodation. This includes those with No Recourse to Public Funds.

Finding community support services A map of support services has been developed please click the buttons at the top to filter what type of support you are looking for or click the buttons down the side to see what is available in your ward. Below the map you will then see information including the name and contact details of each individual group

• Other community support such as mental health help

If you need help in finding the right support, our contact number is 08085 834333.

Other Useful Links 

“IOM UK has designed a Covid-19 Migrant Information Service to provide extra support to migrants in the challenging context of the Covid-19 crisis.

The info service includes:

• a multilingual website www.covid19uk.iom.int
• a telephone service 0800 464 3380.
• to provide information to migrants living in the UK on 5 key topics: health, work, benefits, visas and immigration, housing and homelessness.

The website also provides a comprehensive overview of the various governmental and non-governmental support schemes that are available to migrants. Finally, it provides signposted information for users to get further information and/or begin the process of accessing support. The website is currently available in many languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, Arabic, Chinese, Albanian and Vietnamese, with Polish to be added soon. The telephone service provides information to callers in any language, and is available on Freephone 0800 464 3380.”

Local GPs and Accident and Emergency departments are still open. To find out what you should and shouldn’t click here.

Irish Health Service has provided a 16-page information booklet and posters about COVID-19 in different languages – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-translated-resources/

Doctors of the World – advice for patients on Coronavirus in various languages https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information/

The Traveller Movement have collated a series of resources and fact sheets specifically aimed at supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities at this time. https://www.travellermovement.org.uk/index.php/covid-19

Joe Wicks is doing PE lessons live online every weekday at 9am. This will help people of all ages stay active and entertained https://www.facebook.com/JoeWicksTheBodyCoach/

Research in Practice has created a useful page full of information on domestic abuse and what options are available to victims during the COVID-19 crisis – https://www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/news-views/2020/april/domestic-abuse-in-the-coronavirus-epidemic/

Every weekday CRMC is running Kahoot ESOL challenges! To get involved with videos and challenges, request to join the Facebook group that can be found below! https://www.facebook.com/groups/514046279309410/?ref=group_header

St Francis Employability is running quizzes & videos posted to its Facebook page and website! Click the link below to find out more and get involved https://en-gb.facebook.com/stfcov

Social Innovation Emerald Book Club is holding daily online stretching between 10:30-11am. To get involved, please contact them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldBookClub/

Positive Youth Foundation is offering an employment hotline for young people aged 15-24! Those who want advice can call 07958 325426 on Monday and Friday.

Younger children may be interested in Share My Language Rhymetime sessions held every Thursday at 11am on Facebook Live (MiFriendly Cities page). This activity session for children and parents includes songs, music, rhymes and lots of interesting and entertaining educational elements – specifically focused on cultural and language exchange. https://fo-fo.facebook.com/events/coventry-library/share-my-language-rhymetimes/2305193513082041/

Follow @covlibraries on Facebook and Twitter for some suggested reading to keep you busy during the COVID-19 crisis https://www.facebook.com/pg/covlibraries/

Sadhguru is providing daily meditation at 12:30pm on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ9xr7dmcpY