Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak
Scottish Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart has written an open letter to all council, social housing and housing co-operative tenants in Scotland. The letter covers a number of helpful issues including financial advice, service resumption information and well-being resources. You can read the full text here.
We are supporting our customers and continuing to deliver our services during the global Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst many of you may find the news reports of the outbreak worrying, please be reassured that we are working very hard to ensure our infection control measures, designed to safeguard your health and well-being, are effective and proportionate.
To do this, we are following Government and NHS advice and we would encourage you to do the same. Please also follow the advice of our staff.
To watch a short message from our Chief Executive, Helen Murdoch, please click here.
A key piece of advice we urge everyone to follow is to undertake regular and thorough hand washing. This is the most practical way you can safeguard against infection.
- The Government has told all of us to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
Following these rules is especially important if you are over 70.
Additionally, you must limit visits to your home and your development to those which are essential. Our offices and communal lounges remain closed. Please call us on 0800 111 4646 if you have any queries.
Hanover’s senior management team are closely monitoring this situation and have been in touch with our staff around the country. We will endeavour to maintain ‘business as usual’, however we may need to amend services and access to communal areas should matters escalate. Unfortunately, we cannot predict how or when circumstances may change however when they do, we will update you.
Hanover Services
Offices – our offices have closed until further notice.
Telephones –You can still contact us by calling 0800 111 46 46, but please be aware we may be experiencing a high volume of calls. In the event of an emergency, please activate your pull cord or call 0345 604 4686 to contact Telecare.
Guest rooms – our guest rooms are no longer for hire for the foreseeable future.
Communal lounges – our lounges are now closed in order to reduce the risk of sharing infections. We would also suggest not congregating in other areas and maintaining social distancing at all times.
Laundries – we have put up notices with information on stricter infection control measures.
Communal toilets – toilets are no longer being serviced on a regular basis. If using these facilities please leave them as clean as possible, we will replenish supplies when we are able.
Repairs – we are undertaking emergency repairs only. Please call 0800 389 0477
We understand that there is a lot of anxiety around current events and that people are struggling with loneliness. There are a number of resources available which offer advice and support.
Age Scotland is available for advice or just a chat: 0800 12 44 222
For anyone who is vulnerable and worried about getting groceries or prescriptions, help is available. Please call 0800 111 4000 for local advice.
Mental health advice and support can be found online:
Staying at home tips from the NHS
Scottish Government advice – Clear your Head
Scottish Government latest update: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus
Health advice: www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
Age Scotland Guide to coronavirus: Covid-19 Guide
Advice for travel: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home
Benefits advice: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
Financial advice: https://coronavirusadvice.scot/
Easy read guidance: https://www.nhsinform.scot/media/3019/19-20-coronavirus-latest-advice-easy-read-final-18-mar-2020.pdf
People with symptoms suggestive of coronavirus – a fever or a new cough – should stay at home and self-isolate for seven days. If symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days you should phone NHS24 (111).
Common symptoms of coronavirus include:
- high temperature or fever and/or
- new continuous cough
- recent shortness of breath
A free helpline has been set up for people who do not have symptoms but are looking for general advice: 0800 028 2816.
