MSP HAILS POWER OF “COMMUNITY SPIRIT” IN HELPING THOSE IN NEED

Published date : 09 Apr 2020

People in Mid Fife and Glenrothes at highest risk of severe illness from coronavirus will begin to receive home deliveries.

Letters from the Scottish Government have been issued this week to those who are at greatest risk from the virus, to offer guidance on shielding from infection and information about the support available, which includes access to home deliveries through a text message service.

Locals who have already signed up to the service have been texted with the option of starting their weekly deliveries of essential food items including soup, pasta, rice, fruit, vegetables, tea, coffee and biscuits, as well as toiletries such as shower gel and toilet roll.

Those in the high risk group who have received a letter but do not have access to a mobile phone will be able to register for deliveries through the Fife Council Covid Community Helpline – 0800 952 0330.

Commenting, local MSP, Jenny Gilruth said:

“This is the greatest test we’ve faced in a lifetime and this scheme will ensure those most at risk from coronavirus get the support they need.

“The community spirit shown here in Mid Fife and Glenrothes over the last few weeks has been absolutely amazing with friends, family and neighbours going that extra mile to look out for one another.

“But it’s hugely important that everyone who receives a letter, and requires this support, signs up to this service immediately to make sure they are fully stocked with essential items.

“We have to prioritise those most in need, and by continuing to work together we can ensure everyone in our community remains safe.”

ENDS

Notes:

The grocery delivery service will be led by Brakes and Bidfood with the first deliveries expected on 3 April.

The six categories of risk – as agreed by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers – are:

Solid organ transplant recipients

2. People with specific cancers:

a. People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer

b. People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment

c. People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer

d. People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors

e. People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last six months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs

3. People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe COPD

4. People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell)

5. People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection

6. People who are pregnant with significant congenital heart disease

Further information can be found here: https://news.gov.scot/news/deliveries-for-high-risk-groups

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