COVID-19 updates

Shielding Advice for the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

From the 1st April 2021, it is no longer necessary for the clinically extremely vulnerable to shield. Please click here to view the latest government guidelines and advice:

Press Release: Gov.uk

Guidance Publication: Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Useful Links

British Isalmic Association debunks COVID myths

https://britishima.org/operation-vaccination/hub/covidmyths/

NHS England Top Doc says “Don’t delay getting a jab”

https://www.england.nhs.uk/2021/03/top-doctor-says-do-not-delay-getting-an-nhs-covid-jab/

Astra Zeneca MHRA Statement

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-regulator-confirms-that-people-should-continue-to-receive-the-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca

Getting a Test for COVID-19

Tests can only be booked on the national online booking portal or by calling 119 if you do not have access to the internet.

You cannot book a test in any other way.

Anyone who tries to book a test and is unable to do so, or who is offered a location or time which is not convenient, should wait a few hours and then try again. More tests are available each day and are allocated based on areas of greatest need and the prevalence of the virus. As the service is very busy you may have to try more than once to access the service and be offered the location you need.

You should not go to A&E or your GP Practice to get a coronavirus test as you may spread the virus.

Both A&E and your GP Practice are unable to assist you in booking a COVID-19 test and cannot provide COVID-19 testing.

Booking a test if you have symptoms is vital to the control of the virus and the saving of lives, so please continue to self-isolate and come back to the online booking portal or the 119 service if you have not been successful.

NHS COVID Pass

The practice is unable to provide letters to confirm your COVID vaccination status, you can go to the gov.uk website

Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

or call 119 who can send you a letter. They expect this to take up to 5 working days to reach you.

A Message for Our Patients

Queen Square Medical Practice would like to thank all our patients who have been so understanding with us during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We continue to make some changes to the way we work, to ensure we are best protecting and caring for our all of our patients and staff.

You MUST NOT attend any of our sites if you are experiencing any of the below:

a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

For information on:

Help us to help you

Face Coverings in Surgery

Everyone is expected to wear a face mask when entering the surgery’s buildings. The only exceptions to this rule are young children (under 11 years of age), and adults with breathing difficulties.

COVID-19 Scam Calls and Texts

OFCOM have warned about scam calls and texts relating to Covid-19.

Scam Calls

Calls may claim to be from the Government, your GP’s surgery or the NHS. In the calls, a recorded message or caller will claim to be contacting you about the coronavirus. They might offer a test, a treatment, or offer to discuss your medical needs.

However, these calls are designed to encourage you to either speak to an operator (in which you could be at risk of giving personal information), or press a button on your phone for more information (in which you could be connected to a high-cost premium number).

Scam Texts

Scam texts often include links or attachments which can’t be trusted.

Here’s an example of a scam text, claiming to be sent by the Government. However, look at the URL – it does not link to the UK Government website. It is a fake website which requires you to enter your personal details – it is a phishing scam.