Guidance for All – The Premier Partnership Umbrella

 

Coronavirus Update 23/03/2020

As a major procurer of learning the Directors at Premier feel that it is prudent to advise you of the measure we are taking to :

• Deliver Business as usual
• Secure our supply chain
• Offer alternative solutions to face to face learning wherever possible
• Mitigate risks to our learners and facilitators

 

Business as usual

Premier has put in place contingency planning to secure our business during the current coronavirus outbreak. All of our internal team functionalities have over the last 3 weeks been stressed tested to ensure we can maintain business as usual should we experience high levels of workplace absence and/or in some instances have taken government advise to move individuals and teams to remote working.

All of our colleagues have received additional training on remote working including team and client communications strategies, technical capability, workspace set up, self-care , accessing securely  companywide processes, practice and procedures.

 

Securing our supply chain

Our supply chain team have been in contact with all of our suppliers to ensure that they are following government guidance, have practices in place for mitigating risk and communicate with Premier immediately should there be any changes to their circumstances or government guidance that will impact upon training delivery.

With regards to cancellations of training inside the cancelation terms by the client we will endeavour to negotiate with the supplier a credit against future delivery of the booking. If the supplier has to cancel inside the cancelation terms, we will also issue a credit against future delivery of the booking.

 

Alternative solutions

A large number of our suppliers have the capability and capacity to deliver programs via e  or remote learning. This includes off the shelf or bespoke e learning or virtual classrooms delivered via Skype, Microsoft teams or webinar. This option includes our access to a suite of over 3,000 e learning products, Management & Leadership, Health & Safety, Personal Effectiveness and Performance management blended learning interventions.

 

Mitigating Risks to our learners and facilitators

Guidance has been issued to all of our supply chain partners for onward communication to facilitators and learners.

This guidance includes government guidance on self-isolation and high levels of hygiene. This message will be updated and communicate to our supply chain as per guidance on the government web site www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus

We would like to offer our ongoing support to our clients, learners and wider supply chain team at this time and endeavour to ensure that wherever possible we will continue to provide the highest quality of service.

 

Should you require further details please contact us at:

E mail:  enquiries@premier-partnership.co.uk

Tel: 01302 369700

 

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What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a type of virus that normally causes common colds; most of us will have experienced illnesses caused by this type of virus. Viruses change all the time, and this current variant (now labelled as COVID-19 – previously called Wuhan Coronavirus, or CoV-19), has a tendency to cause severe lung problems in vulnerable patients, such as the elderly, or those with already established health problems.

It is important to remember that a significant number of coronavirus cases will be in people with mild illnesses, no different to normal seasonal ‘flu-type symptoms, and that these individuals will recover without ever having to seek healthcare advice.

 

Public Health England

Coronavirus is spreading in the UK and a major epidemic is expected.

A worst case scenario could see 80% of people infected if nothing is done

 

 

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough- this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly and/or
• high temperature –you feel hot to touch on your chest or back

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection

If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, do not leave your      home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

 

 

Goverment Plans

THE GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED PEOPLE TO STAY AT HOME: TO STAY SAFE, 1.5 MILLION ADVISED

Letters Are Being Sent Telling 1.5 Million people in England most at risk of coronavirus to stay at home.

 

They will receive letters or text messages strongly advising them not to go out for 12 weeks to protect themselves, the government said. It comes as the PM asked the UK not to visit loved ones on Mother’s Day, and follow social distancing guidelines. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asked people to heed the advice, saying “do it for loved ones who will die if you don’t”. The number of people who have died in the UK with coronavirus rose to 281 on Sunday, as cases reached 5,683.

Boris Johnson has called on the public to join a “collective national effort” and follow social distancing guidance, warning the NHS could be “overwhelmed”.

At-risk people include those who have received organ transplants, those living with severe respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis or those who have specific cancers, such as blood or bone marrow.

 

Guidance for social distancing

Background and scope of guidance

This guidance is for everyone, including children. It advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is intended for use in situations where people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers. If you live in a residential care setting guidance is available.

 

We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

This group includes those who are:

• aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
• chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
  • diabetes
  • problems with your spleen – for example, sickle celldisease or if you have had your spleen removed
  • a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tabletsor chemotherapy
  • being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
  • those who are pregnant

Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this category, next week the NHS in England will directly contact you with advice about the more stringent measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe. For now, you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full, outlined below.

 

People falling into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

• people who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
• people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
• people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
• people with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis

 

What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are to:

1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
3. Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
4. Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
6. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:

• are over 70
• have an underlying health condition
• are pregnant

 

What does 2 meters look like?

 

This advice is likley to be in place for some weeks.

 

Handwashing and Respiratory Hygiene

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• washing your hands more often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home

 

How many times do you need to wash your hands?

It is commonly known to wash our hands before eating and after using the restroom. If you look at these factors, on average you should be washing your hands at least 11 times a day (3 x before eating, 8 x after using the toilet). Which means washing your hands more than 6 times a day should be an easy target to reach

Not forgetting – Destination Hand washing -When you have reached your destination i.e. home or work wash your hands before you begin.

 

What are the 7 steps to handwashing?

Step 1: Wet Hands. Wet your hands and apply enough liquid soap to create a good lather. …

Step 2: Rub Palms Together. …

Step 3: Rub the Back of Hands. …

Step 4: Interlink Your Fingers. …

Step 5: Cup Your Fingers. …

Step 6: Clean the Thumbs. …

Step 7: Rub Palms with Your Fingers

 

 

 

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The same guidance applies to the general population and those at increased risk of severe illness form coronavirus (COVID-19). If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature and/or new and continuous cough), self-isolate at home for 7 days. You can find the full guidance at stay at home.

 

Getting assistance with foods and medicines if you are reducing social contacts

Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services. If this is not possible, then the public sector, business, charities, and the general public are gearing up to help those advised to stay at home. It is important to speak to others and ask them to help you to make arrangements for the delivery of food, medicines and essential services and supplies, and look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example, if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected. The advice for formal carers is included in the Home care provision.

 

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

We advise everyone to access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible. However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP or clinician to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and consider whether appointments can be postponed.

 

What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?

You should contact your regular social visitors such as friends and family to let them know that you are reducing social contacts and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing, or preparing meals.

If you receive regular health or social care from an organisation, either through your local authority or paid for by yourself, inform your care providers that you are reducing social contacts and agree on a plan for continuing your care.

If you receive essential care from friends or family members, speak to your carers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe. You may find this guidance on Home care provision useful.

It is also a good idea to speak to your carers about what happens if one of them becomes unwell. If you need help with care but you’re not sure who to contact, or if you do not have family or friends who can help you, you can contact your local council who should be able to help you.

 

What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?

If you live in a house with a vulnerable person refer to  household guidance.

 

Looking after your mental wellbeing?

Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.

At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:

• look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
• spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes
• try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
• keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden

 

You Can Also Go For A Walk Or Exercise Outdoors If You Stay More Than 2 Metres From Others.

Further information on looking after your mental health during this time is available.

 

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.

Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too. Or you can use a NHS recommended helpline.

 

Advice for informal carers

If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time.

Ensure you follow advice on good hygiene such as:

• wash your hands-on arrival and often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
• 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
• do not visit if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care
• provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111 onlinecoronavirus service and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed
• find out about different sources of support that could be used and access further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK
• look after your own well-being and physical health during this time. Further information on this is available here

 

House Hygiene

Pharmacy help

• Out-of-hours medicines
• How to treat everyday ailments at home
• Your medicine cabinet
• How to use self-test kits safely
• Avoid medicines scams
• Bodybuilding and sports supplements

Living with pain

• How to get NHS help for your pain
• Which painkiller?
• Ways to manage chronic pain
• 10 ways to reduce pain

 

Germs can be spread from person to person or by touching unclean equipment or surfaces.

To stop the spread of germs, focus your efforts on cleaning areas in the house where germs are more likely to spread, such as the kitchen and toilet.

• Use either soap and hot water to rinse the germs away, or a disinfectant to kill them.
• Make sure you dry surfaces such as worktops and chopping boards thoroughly after cleaning. Dampness helps any remaining germs to survive and, if there’s enough water, multiply.
• You should clean germ hotspots on a regular basis after use, rather than the customary once-a-week deep clean.
• Cleaning aids, such as cloths or mops, must be germ-free or they’ll spread germs to other surfaces.

Here are some general cleaning tips to help prevent the spread of germs in your home:

 

Cloths and sponges

• use disposable cloths or paper towels when possible
• reusable cloths should be disinfected or washed at 60C (140F) after each use

 

Washing-up brushes

• wash brushes in a dishwasher regularly or clean with detergent and warm water after each use

 

Mops and buckets

• use two buckets for mopping – one for detergent and the other for rinsing
• mops and buckets should be cleaned and dried after each use

 

Toilets

• keep the U-bend and toilet bowl clean by flushing after each use
• use a toilet cleaner and brush every few days
• limescale should be regularly removed using a descaling product
• keep the toilet seat, handle and rim clean by using a disinfectant

 

Baths and sinks

• clean baths and sinks frequently, if they’re used regularly
• use disinfectant if they’ve been used by someone who’s ill

 

Showers

• clean shower trays frequently, if used regularly
• if a shower hasn’t been used for a while, let it run with hot water before using it

 

Tiles and shower curtains

• keep tiles and grout in good condition
• clean shower curtains frequently

 

Kitchen

• ensure food-preparation surfaces are clean before use
• use separate chopping boards for uncooked food – such as raw meat – and food that doesn’t need cooking, like salad leaves
• wash and dry your hands after handling foods such as raw meat
• clean surfaces immediately after use

 

Floors

• clean floors regularly with warm water and detergent to remove visible dirt
• if soiled with vomit, urine or poo, the floor should be cleaned using a disposable cloth and warm water, then disinfected – make sure the floor is dry before allowing children on it

 

Carpet and soft furnishings

• steam cleaning is effective against germs on carpets and furnishings
• curtains can be cleaned by laundering or disinfected by steam cleaning

 

Pets and other animals

• keep pet food separate from human food
• always wash your hands after touching animals and their food, toys, cages and litter trays
• dishes, utensils and tin openers used for pet food should be stored separately

 

Toys

• clean hard or plastic toys by washing them and putting them away once they’re clean and dry
• some soft toys can be cleaned in the washing machine

 

Laundry

• wash your hands after handling dirty laundry
• all underwear, towels and household linen should be washed at 60C (140F) or at 40C (104F) with a bleach-based laundry product to prevent germs from spreading
• don’t leave laundry in the washing machine – any remaining germs can multiply rapidly

 

Waste disposal

• foot-operated bins are more hygienic because they reduce the risk of getting germs onto your hands from touching the bin lid
• always wash your hands after handling waste material

throw rubbish away carefully to avoid attracting vermin and insects

 

 

Act Of Kindness – The Community Spirit

 

 

AS YOU FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE GIVEN OUT BY THE VARIOUS AGENTS IF ANY OF THE ABOVE APPLIES TO YOU PLEASE CAN YOU CONTACT PREMIER-PARTNERSHIP IMMEDIATELY

Last updated 23/03/2020