COVID 19 UPDATE – January 2021

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Like many, we were mortified to hear of the New Year Lockdown but further to the Prime Minister’s statement on 4th January, we can confirm that Umbrella will continue to provide services albeit on a restricted basis. We have reviewed the government’s latest guidance relating to health and social care provision. Extra measures are in place to keep our service users, staff and volunteers well. All activities comply with latest government Covid-19 regulations and are monitored closely.

Our senior management team will keep the situation under constant review with guidance from the Trustees, and our Teams will be in touch with families in case of any change.

The most significant change to services is that we can no longer support anyone who is formally shielding nor  can we enter the homes of those who have a household member shielding.

In addition to our usual activities at our centres, our innovative and popular alternative service includes online support sessions. We are also supporting parents/carers through online, telephone and facebook communication.

We are continuing with our vigorous cleaning regimes and maintain use of PPE at all times. We would remind families that if anyone has any symptoms (or has done within the last 10 days of support) that they must inform us immediately in order to keep everyone safe and protected.

Our staff have now (at the end of January) started to receive their vaccinations and although there is a 3 month wait for their second  booster vaccine, it means that many of them are already 52% more protected which will in turn enhance protection to those receiving support from our staff. Following the booster, this will increase to a 95% rate of protection and with this in mind, we hope, for all our sakes that we can see an end to this dreadful pandemic.

Take care and stay safe

From Umbrella