We want to assure our customers that the Lifeline alarm service will continue to run as normal throughout the pandemic. As we leave our third lockdown, our emergency call handlers will continue to be there on the other end of the alarm, just as they always are. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve made every effort to protect our staff and customers and maintain our life-saving service. Please rest assured, your Lifeline Alarm service will not be affected by coronavirus. We’re doing everything we can to ensure the wellbeing of our staff and customers.
What is COVID-19?
As you’ll certainly know by now, COVID-19 is a highly infectious illness that has swept the world, disrupting life as we know it since early 2020. The potentially deadly illness, caused by the coronavirus, affects your lungs and airways. It can spread very easily from person to person, with older people and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The main symptoms are a persistent, dry cough and a fever (high temperature), as well as a loss of taste and/or smell. If you or anyone in your household has any symptoms like this, there is a chance you have coronavirus. In this case, self isolate immediately at home and do not leave the house for any reason, unless it is to get a COVID-19 test. If you notice any symptoms, you should book a test immediately on the government website.
How does Coronavirus spread?
The virus can spread easily from person to person. Therefore, it’s important to avoid contact with people outside of your household as much as possible. The virus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets, which we produce when coughing, sneezing, talking, and even breathing. COVID-19 can also survive on surfaces for a period of time, so it’s important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face. If soap is not available, hand sanitiser is the next best thing. In late 2020, a new strain of coronavirus emerged. This new strain is far more infectious than the original version, so it’s more important than ever to avoid mixing with people you don’t live with.
Covid-19 Vaccines
Thankfully, the coronavirus vaccine rollout is well underway. In fact, Coventry resident Margaret Keenan, 91, became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer jab on 8 December 2020. Then on 4 January 2021, Brian Pinker, 82, was the first person in the world to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. As of May 2021, more than 35 million people have received their first dose here in the UK. What’s more, more than 18 million people have received their second dose, giving them maximum protection from the virus.
How can I avoid getting Coronavirus?
In the meantime, there are several ways to reduce your chances of catching coronavirus. First and foremost, avoid contact with people from outside of your household wherever possible. This includes maintaining a social distance of at least 2 metres wherever possible and wearing a mask whenever you are in an enclosed space with others. In addition, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should do this before leaving the house and immediately when you get back home. Hand sanitiser gel is also suitable if soap and water are not available.
Next, you should wear a face mask or covering whenever you go into an enclosed public space, such as a supermarket or bank. If you are carrying the virus unknowingly, this will help to prevent you from spreading it. Most importantly, look after yourself. If you are vulnerable in any way, please stay at home as much as you can. This is the best way to avoid contact with anyone who may have the illness. Many people do not show symptoms of the illness within the first 7 days of having it, but they can still be contagious. In fact, a large number of cases are totally asymptomatic – meaning you may not show any symptoms at all.
What are the current Coronavirus Restrictions?
The four UK nations are each operating their own rules and restrictions. To find out what the rules are where you live, go to the relevant government website below:
Am I at risk?
At LifeConnect24, over 90% of our customers qualify for VAT exemption due to a long-term medical condition. Research shows that older people and those with underlying medical conditions are more vulnerable to coronavirus than others. That’s why it is so important to follow government advice, especially if you are aged 70+ or you have a medical condition.
As COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, conditions which affect your breathing can put you at an even greater risk. If you have asthma or bronchitis, you are a high-risk individual.
Rest assured, your LifeConnect24 service will not be disrupted during this difficult time. Our Response Team have many procedures in place to ensure the safety of our staff, and therefore our Lifeline Alarm users. Our Emergency Response Team is continuing to respond quickly and efficiently to emergency calls and our Customer Service Team can offer advice and support to new and existing customers. We are also still accepting new orders and offer a contact-free setup. If you need help with a LifeConnect24 account or for help placing an order, please call us on 0800 999 0400.
Editor’s Note:Â This article was updated on 10th May 2021 to reflect the latest information.
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