Protecting Vulnerable Groups

Welsh Government is advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent with the following social distancing measures. This group includes those who are:

  • Aged 70 or older (regardless of medical condition). 
  • Under 70 with an underlying health condition. 
  • Pregnant.

For more information, including the list of relevant health conditions, please look at the Coronavirus social distancing guidance for everyone in Wales and protecting older people and vulnerable adults here.
 

Help for the vulnerable from local authorities and voluntary groups

Some people are especially vulnerable at present, for example:

  • people who are at increased risk or 'extremely vulnerable’ to coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • people who are disadvantaged where this has been made worse because of coronavirus
  • people with low incomes who may have difficulty buying enough food or paying bills

Vulnerable people may need extra help, for example to get food or medicines or with other needs.  Friends, family or neighbours may be able to help.

If you do not have anyone who can help, you may be able to get support from your local authority or voluntary groups. For more information click here.
 

Supporting individuals with sight loss – taxis and minicabs

Taxis and minicabs and the door to door service they provide are essential for disabled people. They remain a key mode of transport for people who are blind and partially sighted, who are unable to drive and often face barriers when using public transport.

Guidedogs.org.uk have published guidance for taxis and minicabs around how they are able to assist individuals who are partially sighted or are impacted by sight loss. 

Click here for more information.

 

(BAME) Black Asian Minority Ethnic

Emerging evidence suggests people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is of significant concern, particularly as people from these communities make such a significant contribution to our NHS and care services.

The Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre, covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland have found that 34% of confirmed cases, and 32% of deaths in intensive care are BAME individuals, despite the fact that BAME individuals only account for 14.5% of the total population (based on ONS 2016 population estimates).

Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething has stated  that “Welsh Government officials will mobilise efforts to establish whether there are any identifiable factors that could help inform decisions on whether we need to give different public advice regarding comorbidities, isolation, shielding and personal protective equipment (PPE) in relation to people from BAME backgrounds”

Furthermore, The All Wales COVID-19 Workforce Risk Assessment Tool is a two-stage risk assessment, which has been developed and is suitable for use, for all staff who are vulnerable or at risk of contracting coronavirus, including people from BAME backgrounds.

To view the Health Ministers statement, click here.

For more information around the risk assessment tool, click here.

A report into the factors influencing negative COVID-19 outcomes for individuals from BAME backgrounds has been published. To view this report click here.

 

Pregnant Women – Guidance and Communication

Whilst there is currently no evidence to show that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, pregnant women have been classified as moderate risk (clinically vulnerable) as a precaution.

The current guidance for pregnant women is the same as that for the general population:

  • Observe social distancing
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • If you meet another household, outside your extended household, stay outdoor
  • Work can from home if you can
  • Stay at home and get tested if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms 

If women are in the third trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks+), they should be particularly attentive to social distancing. For more information click here.

With regard to employment, there is a legal requirement for a risk assessment to be carried out on all pregnant women, irrespective of the size of the business.