From this week, adults (18 and over) who have Down’s syndrome are to be added to the group of people who are classed as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’. This means that they have been classed as at higher risk from coronavirus. The decision has been agreed across all four nations of the UK by their Chief Medical Officers.
On 3 November this announcement has been made in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Wales due to announce
In Wales the Welsh Government is due to make the announcement imminently. The Down’s Syndrome Wales and Learning Disability Wales have been assisting Welsh Government with the letter that is due to go out in the post to adults with Down’s Syndrome in Wales. The letter will be in easy read.
Down’s Syndrome Association information
The Down’s Syndrome Association have produced a statement that can be viewed here
https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/latest-coronavirus-news/
There is helpful information on their page including:
- Information on why adults with Down’s Syndrome have been added to the list of people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. Read the Department of Health & Social Care’s (England) Q&A and Easy Read.
- They have produced some new accessible resources to help people who have Down’s syndrome stay safe, well, and positive, and on making choices and asking questions. They are called ‘Staying safe’, ‘Staying well and healthy’ and ‘Supporting me to make a decision: A Quick Guide’.
- Video ‘Sam explains what extremely clinically vulnerable means from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O8fvZrHE70&feature=emb_logo
Down’s Syndrome Association Helpline
If you have any questions, you can contact the Down’s Syndrome Association’s Helpline and Information Team on info@downs-syndrome.co.uk or call them on 0333 1212 300 Monday – Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm (not premium rate). You can also access their support, as well as from other parents and carers, in their closed Facebook groups. These can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/DownsSyndromeAssociation/groups/
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