COVID-19
Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms
General advice and guidance about Coronavirus can be found at NHS Inform. 

You can also call the designated Coronavirus helpline if you are not unwell but would like general advice on: 
0800 028 2816
 WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DEVELOP CORONAVIRUS ? 

Most people no longer need to take a coronavirus test, although testing is still available for specific groups.  You should stay at home however if you think you have coronavirus or another respiratory infection.

The latest coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, including what to do if you have symptoms and treatments available to some groups can be found here. 

You should contact the Practice if: 
  • your symptoms worsen
  • you're concerned about your symptoms
  • you have symptoms that you can no longer manage at home
  • you're worried about your child, especially if they're under 2 years
Treatment for coronavirus: Getting your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself from the virus, however there are additional treatment options for selected groups of people with coronavirus who are thought to be at greater risk. These treatments need to be given soon after you get a positive coronavirus test result to be most effective. More information about this can be found here.  If you meet the eligibility criteria for treatment you can contact  Lothian Health Board on 0300 790 6769, who will assess your suitability for treatment.

While most people recover quickly from coronavirus (COVID-19), some people may have ongoing symptoms. These can last for a few weeks or longer. This has been referred to as long COVID. Recovery from coronavirus can take time and more information and advice can be found on NHS Inform here. 

Your COVID Recovery can also help you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery and provides practical help and advice for patients, family, friends and carers.

 

COVID-19 vaccination


Information about COVID vaccination can be found at NHS inform or by calling the Scottish COVID vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013. The helpline is available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week with up-to-date information as it becomes available. All vaccinations are provided at central hubs by NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, details can be found here. The GP practice is unable to provide COVID vaccinations.


A series of videos developed to provide information about COVID vaccination and clarify some myths and misconceptions about COVID Vaccine can be found here. These videos are available in English (Two different versions), Arabic, Bengali, Romanian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Urdu, Polish, Swahili, and BSL.


Information about getting the vaccine can be found here 

COVID VACCINATION EXCEMPTION CERTIFICATES


There are a very small number of people in Scotland who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. GPs and their teams however cannot issue vaccination exemption certificates. Further information on the vaccination exemption certificates scheme can be found on NHS Inform  here.


Alternatively you can phone the free NHS COVID Status Helpline on:  0808 196 8565  (10 am – 6pm 7 days a week)

COVID-19 vaccination status


The easiest and most secure way to prove your COVID status when travelling abroad is to use the NHS Scotland COVID Status app. Details of how to do this can be found here.  You can also download or request a paper copy online or by phoning the COVID Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565. The helpline is open every day from 10am to 6pm.


Please do not contact the Practice to ask for a COVID vaccination passport or status certificate. We are able to provide any standard document.


If you are intending to travel abroad you should still:



  • check the entry requirements for your destination country on the UK foreign travel advice pages
  • get up-to-date information from the website of your destination country


Scotland’s travel rules for people arriving from abroad ended at 18th  March 2022.

FACE COVERINGS


The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the use of face coverings to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The best scientific and medical evidence available is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering provides some additional protection, especially in crowded and less well ventilated spaces.


Although the legal requirement to wear  a face covering has been removed, the Scottish government strongly recommended that face coverings continue to be worn where appropriate – including in indoor crowded spaces and on public transport. There are situations however where some people are unable to, or it would be inappropriate for them, to wear a face covering. Information about who is exempt and how to apply to the Scottish Government for a face covering exemption card can be found here


Staff within acute hospitals, community hospitals, primary care and wider community healthcare, together with visitors, including those attending for an appointment should continue to wear face masks at all times.

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