A new support team starts knocking on doors across Hertfordshire this week, offering advice and support to people who are required by law to self-isolate for 10-14 days to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
Public health professionals will be visiting people across the county who national and local contact tracing teams have been unable to reach by telephone. The aim is to ensure that people self-isolating – which means staying at home and not going out unless it’s an emergency – understand the rules, and can get the help they need.
Those who cannot be contacted the first time will be left a letter which clearly explains the purpose of the visit and reminds people that it is against the law to leave the home under self-isolation. Those who still cannot be contacted a second time risk being referred to the police for further action to be taken.
This is the latest in a series of measures introduced in Hertfordshire to help people understand when and how to self-isolate, how long for, and why it’s important. It is part of a wider ‘Self Isolate Means Stay At Home’ campaign of activity that includes:
- Hard-hitting reminders on social media that self-isolate means staying at home, and pointing them to HertsHelp (www.hertshelp.net) if support is needed.
- Clear guidance and contact details for those who can help being handed out at testing centres throughout the county.
- The launch this week of the online #HertsIsolationChallenge which gives guidance and encouragement on maintaining physical and mental wellbeing when isolating.
For advice on self-isolation, visit bit.ly/SelfIsolateHerts
If you are in need of support with food and other essentials, visit www.hertshelp.net, call 0300 123 4044 or email info@hertshelp.net.
