Help devise a Covid plan for a newcomer to the UK without a support network

[Frequentflier]

This is very premature; no one in my family has Covid yet. But I am so anxious about my situation that I am up at 5 am worrying, so I thought a plan and writing it down would help. ( I am a planner).

Briefly, I moved to London in September ( In retrospect, not the smartest decision, but there were reasons for it). DS (16), DH ( 52) and me. DH is Type 2 diabetic, and overweight ( not massively so). We are South Asian, and the figures about BAME people worry me. DS and me have no health conditions and are not overweight.

We have no family in the UK. Have a couple of friends, but they are across London and quite understandably have their own problems. Not had a chance to make friends with the neighbours, though I live in a large apartment block. I worry that if DH gets it, and needs to be hospitalised, I won't have any support. We do not have a car.

The most likely way for DH to get it would be through DS, when schools open. DS also goes by the Tube. Other than DS going to school, we go nowhere and do nothing. We are lucky enough that DS has his own bedroom and bathroom and even has a separate entrance. When and if school starts, he is going to keep to himself ( as much as possible).

Meanwhile, I have stocked up tinned food, ready meals, and medicines. If the worst came to the worst, would I be allowed to go to the hospital with DH or do emergency cases go alone? ( DS would be fine at home, but it would be well to be prepared) Should I try to make friends with my neighbours in case we all need to isolate and I need fresh food? I may be overthinking this, but would appreciate any advice from people who have been through this.

Sounds like you are well prepared.

I’d also look up local Covid support groups on Facebook. There are many volunteers who can help with shopping or collecting prescriptions as well as being a friendly ear.

If someone is hospitalised, this would normally be alone and via ambulance. Visitor will not be allowed, either in A&E or a ward.

You will know whether this will cause you more stress and anxiety or not, but you may also want to pack a small overnight bag with charger, clean underwear and PJs and a toothbrush along with details of any conditions you have and medication you are on. This was useful when my parents were admitted.

I assume you are registered with a local GP too?

Register with a few supermarkets so that you can organise deliveries if needed. You can also look up NHS Responders and your local authority website if you need additional support; your local area may also have a Facebook group you can join. Most streets near me are all on WhatsApp groups, that could be the same with your flats? It's always worth being friendly with neighbours; a friendly wave and smile when you see them, a brief distanced chat outside if you bump into them etc. You could ask if they have a WhatsApp group to join. (Don't chat in the corridors though, however friendly that's high risk for transmission.)

I don't think you would be able to go to hospital with your DH, sorry, but as none of you are ill there may be no need. Sounds like you're all keeping safe, you can ask the GP if you aren't sure where your DH will come on the vaccination list. Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are eligible for appointments now.

Maybe drop a note to your immediate neighbours introducing yourself and suggesting a WhatsApp group - they will then tell you if there is already one. And join any neighbourhood Facebook groups (just search the name of your area on Facebook). Is there a way to connect with school parents? This will be useful in any event to keep up with any school issues.

Agree with the suggestions above and about registering with supermarkets for deliveries. Might be worth walking your DS through how to log in, select some basics and fresh food and get a delivery organised (or set up a standard shopping list he can add to the basket) so that he can keep himself and you going should you need him to help out.

Also try NextDoor (website or app) and see if there is a group for your local area.

Thanks for all the prompt responses. I think I will drop a note at my neighbours and ask if there is a WA group. I wasn't sure if that would be viewed as too 'forward'. My neighbour is a young man with no family. In India, where I am from, there is a WA group for every apartment and people get groceries for each other.

Yes, we are registered with a GP ( v close) and also with supermarkets. You are right, had completely forgotten to show DS how this works, and will do that now. I will also check Next Door. And prepare an overnight bank.

@Lovelydovey am not made anxious by any planning:) I am v much a doer; it makes me less anxious. A hospital bag is a good idea as I won't be allowed to go with DH. I am only really worried about him. My sister got Covid and recovered almost instantly, so hoping I have her genes. I suppose it is a matter of staying safe until DH gets the vaccine. I am cheered by the ramping up of the vaccination pace in the last couple of weeks. Thanks everyone, I feel better.

I wasn't sure if that would be viewed as too 'forward'.
Not at all "forward" to introduce yourself, it's just considered normal friendliness. WhatsApp groups are a bit newer to the neighbourhood scene though. If you come across any unfriendly neighbours early on then please don't be put off contacting more, the majority will respond well, but there's always one or two in every little area who don't like to get involved.

Welcome (belatedly)!

Some more practical questions...Any chance you could put your husband on a health kick to lose weight and possibly even reverse his t2? Michael Mosley plan or something similar? Does your husband supplement vitamin D?

Hope you don’t mind these questions? My husband, 67, has been watching his weight and blood pressure very closely to try to reduce his risk.

As you are in London, there are quite good options for buying food for delivery at short notice (without needing a supermarket delivery slot) - have a look at Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Amazon Fresh. The first two usually have some of your local smaller shops as well as Co-op/Waitrose, local bakeries etc. so you can easily order some basics. Amazon Fresh in my area has good slot availability usually for next day and a wider range of products.

Have you joined your local Facebook groups? The ones near me always have people offering to help others if needed.

@oneglassandpuzzled I don;t mind any questions. In a new country, it's good that someone even cares enough to ask! My husband is on the 16: 8 diet and has lost some weight over the last month. As S Asians, it is very hard for him to cut out rice and chapatis, but he is doing his best. Genetically we carry weight around our middles, which is not good. He does not drink or smoke, his BP and heart normal. I try to drag him out for a walk at least 5 times a week.

We have all been taking Vitamin D since we arrived. Also for what it is worth, we eat a lot of turmeric naturally, in our food. Not sure if it helps really, but can't hurt. I also have zinc and Vitamin C tablets laid in.

I use Deliveroo and will check out the others too, so as to be ready. I joined my local FB group, but found it a bit overwhelming. Will try to check back in. I wasn't sure if it was a safe place to post a request for help, afaik.

I was really enjoying London from Sep to November, so hope those days return again!

He's lucky to have you encouraging him, Frequent.

Not expect neighbours in London to be friendly, I expect u might have more luck with neighbourhood online groups where people actively join.

Do not .. I meant!

As well as all the other food delivery services mentioned, FarmDrop is excellent and some of the supermarkets have 1 hour delivery services eg Waitrose Rapid and Sainsbury's ChopChop. They have a wider range than the supermarkets on Deliveroo.

Do you have enough first aid basics for 2 weeks if you are all unwell and self isolating? Paracetamol, soluble aspirin, a thermometer? If you are a worrier, you might find it reassuring to have an oximeter.

@YogaLite - I grew up here and have lived all over, and I've never NOT known my neighbours. Flats with revolving rental tenants moving in and out can be less friendly, but in most places a tiny effort is all that's needed. Have you ever lived in London?

to be honest these are sensible precautions for everyone, good for you.

as well as wotsapp, most places have local facebook networks too. And there's the official volunteer thing if needed. Lots of people (me included) are only too happy to shop and do errands for others, as we have people doing the same for our family elsewhere.

You probably have a local co-op somewhere near you. For £1.99 and a minimum order of £15 they will deliver to you within a couple of hours if there is a slot available. (There are normally plenty available in my area)

I would also reach out to your son's school, explain the situation and see what they suggest. They might offer a daily welfare call if one of you tests positive to make sure your son is ok. My primary school has been doing similar for a variety of reasons.

Thanks for all the kind advice. I do have an oximeter, a thermometer and a first aid kit. Trying also to stay away from the news. I have been lucky to get weekly grocery deliveries so far and have not had to go to the supermarket. Going to call my GP tom to ask abt the vaccination schedule.

Don’t call your Gp to ask about the vaccination schedule. You will be called when it is your turn. GPs don’t have time to speculate on when that might be.

@Lovelydovey - OP's DH has a condition that may or may not make him CEV, and he arrived in the country after CEV lists were drawn up. We don't know how much the GP knows about his history, but his vulnerability may need to be assessed.