Coronavirus updates and guidance
It’s important we all continue to take steps to prevent the spread of the illness, and support our staff and volunteers in different ways as restrictions change.
COVID-19 Key Messages in England
The government has published its plan for living with COVID-19
Changes from 1 April 2022:
- Free testing from the NHS has ended for most people.
- You can buy a COVID-19 test from some pharmacies and retailers - you cannot order tests from 119 or 111.
- A small number of people are still eligible for COVID-19 tests, such as those with certain health conditions and those working in the NHS. There is information on the government website about eligibility for free testing
What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19:
- You are not legally required to self-isolate but you are advised to stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
- If you have been in close contact with someone who may have COVID-19, you are advised to avoid contact with that person as much as you can, limit contact with people you do not live with, wear a face covering when close to other people, and wash your hands often
- See the government website for further information and guidance about self-isolation
Individuals can still reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:
- Getting vaccinated;
- Letting fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meeting outside;
- Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet, when rates of transmission are high;
- Trying to stay at home if you are unwell; and
- Washing your hands and following advice to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’.
Vaccinations
Getting your vaccine
- Vaccinations for 5-11 year olds have been approved by JCVI
- All people aged 16+ can now get their booster vaccine as long as it's been 3 months since their last dose
- People should book via the NHS site if they can rather than use a drop-in service (though these are still available)
- All vaccines are available now - it's not too late for someone who hasn't had any vaccine to book their first or second dose
Getting a vaccine without an NHS number
Public Health England has shared an NHSEI guidance letter to help those without an NHS number to get a COVID-19 vaccine and register with a GP. It is available in over 20 languages.
Flu vaccines
As winter approaches, we must all be extra careful to follow safer behaviours advice to tackle COVID-19, such as keeping inside areas ventilated. We must all prepare for the flu season as well. So getting a flu vaccine is very important this winter especially as having COVID-19 and flu at the same time doubles the risk of death. Those eligible for the free flu vaccine should book their appointments as soon as possible.
All young people aged 16 and 17 can now get their second vaccine dose from 12 weeks after their first one. All young people aged 12 to 15 can now get their first vaccine dose. You do not need to provide proof of address / immigration status to get a vaccine.
Getting a vaccine in Gateshead
There are GP-led vaccine centres at Blaydon, Birtley, Felling, the Bede Centre and Rawling Road practice as well as a vaccination hub at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
There are drop in sessions available at St Mark's Church and Trinity Square - find out more
And drop in sessions available at The Bede Centre and Blaydon Leisure Centre - find out more
Alternatively, you may find it easier to attend a large vaccination centre such as the Centre for Life in Newcastle or the Nightingale Hospital near Sunderland. To book an appointment, call 119 between 7am and 11pm or visit the main NHS website.
Getting a vaccine in Newcastle
You can view all vaccination centres, walk-in clinics, drop-in vaccine clinics, vaccination buses and pharmacies offering the covid-19 vaccine in Newcastle via the interactive map here.
For more information on where you can get your vaccine visit the Newcastle City Council website.
What we're doing
We have been continuing to work with Newcastle and Gateshead Councils on their community response and the latest information and advice from the Councils can be found at the following links:
Newcastle City Council COVID guidance
Gateshead Council COVID Guidance
To request help and support from the Councils visit:
#BeatCovidNE is a digital hub that contains all of the most up-to-date advice for the North East, vaccine information and the latest COVID-19 figures, as well as other sources of support you might need.
Our events and services
Our staff are working a mixture of home and office-based. If you need to meet with a member of staff face-to-face, please arrange an appointment in advance.
Most of our events are now being held in person, while our training continues online for the time being. For more information about the Training programme and booking links visit: Connected Voice Training and Events
Useful information for charities and organisations
The latest government plan for living with COVID-19 includes an overview of guidance for venues and work spaces.
The government has guidance on volunteering (last updated 1 October 2021) that aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic (last updated November 2020) and on preparing a charity annual return (last updated 21 October 2021)
There is specific government guidance about running your charity during the pandemic (last updated 21 October 2021).
The Fundraising Regulator has advice and guidance around fundraising during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes advice on events and community fundraising activities and cash collections.
NCVO has produced detailed advice for VCSE organisations.
Community buildings re-opening advice: The Resource Centre has risk assessments and health and safety information
Changes to DBS ID checking guidelines: New guidelines come into effect from 1 July 2021
Benefits advice: Newcastle City Council has a special webpage on Coronavirus and benefits: Newcastle City Council Benefits guidance
Business Services advice
Financial support available from 21 December 2021
The government has announced a new support package to support businesses affected by the Omicron COVID-19 variant
- Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, plus more than £100 million discretionary funding will be made available for local authorities to support other businesses
- Government will also cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences for small and medium-sized employers across the UK
- £30 million further funding will be made available through the Culture Recovery Fund, enabling more cultural organisations in England to apply for support during the winter
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/1-billion-in-support-for-businesses-most-impacted-by-omicron-across-the-uk
The COVID-19 business grant funding schemes have been updated - find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-g…;
Safeguarding: Newcastle City Council has produced safeguarding guidance for adults self isolating and a general adult safeguarding poster that can be shared.
Supporting diverse communities
Haref continues to share information with ethnically minoritised community groups across Newcastle and Gateshead.
Doctors of the World has translated advice into a number of languages https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/news/coronavirus-information/
