Cerebral Palsy and coronavirus

The Government has said that people with some underlying health conditions have a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

CP is in this ‘increased risk’ category. This is not the same as the high risk group.

List of health conditions with increased risk (GOV.UK)

How much you’re at risk may depend on if you have other health conditions. For example, if:

• you have asthma
• you have diabetes
• you’re offered a flu jab every year

Government guidelines

The Government guidance does not consider individual circumstances. The level of risk will vary for each person with CP. But you should still follow the advice on social distancing.

Social distancing aims to protect anyone who might be more vulnerable as well as slow the spread of the virus. Everyone in the UK should be following Government advice on social distancing.

What is social distancing?

If you or a family member has CP, you must be strict with following the social distancing guidelines. You should do this even if you think you are low risk because you have no other health conditions.

Social distancing means reducing how much social interaction you have with people and how much time you spend in public places. This will help stop coronavirus spreading.

Social distancing means you should:

• avoid using public transport unless it’s essential, so only to go to essential work or the supermarket
• work from home if you can, your employer should support you to do this
• avoid gatherings in public spaces
• avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using technology such as by phone, internet and social media
• use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Guidance for employees working during coronavirus (GOV.UK)

Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK (GOV.UK)

You should also avoid contact with someone showing symptoms of coronavirus. Symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• a new and continuous cough

The NHS will contact you if you’re high risk

If you are in the high risk group, the NHS in England should have already contacted you with advice about what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe. The high risk group is usually people with complex health conditions, such as severe asthma.

If you are in the high risk group, you will likely need to be in self-isolation for 12 weeks.

This means:

• not leaving your home for anything
• friends, family or neighbours should pick up shopping and medicines for you and leave them outside your door
• stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people in your home as much as possible

If you need help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food, register for coronavirus support from the Government.

If you’re not sure which group you are, contact your GP for advice on whether you should self-isolate or use social distancing.