NICF statement - COVID-19

We are very conscious that the worrying situation surrounding COVID-19 is escalating on a daily basis. The main guidance we are providing to members comes from the Government’s main websites:

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

The NHS website goes into greater detail about some of the basic precautions that we would like to re-iterate:

•    wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
•    always wash your hands when you get home or into work
•    use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
•    cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
•    put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
•    try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
•    do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
•    do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

NICF members have access to support via Croner (Call 0844 561 8133 and quote relevant scheme number) that may be of assistance with regard to specific issues. If you have any further questions that are not answered through these routes, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will try to assist.

For the NICF, we are also applying Government guidelines and will not be running face to face meetings or events for the immediate future. We will remain active and are currently looking at alternatives to ensure that the business of the NICF in supporting our members continues while we all navigate this pandemic. Communication is probably more important now than ever and so whilst we will maintain our basic principle of not bombarding our members with unnecessary contact, equally we will endeavour to keep you updated with any critical information. We are currently developing a blog on the NICF website that we hope will be in place over the next day or so. This will include basic information and ongoing updates; highlighting support, best practice, news of any guidelines or restrictions implemented by the Government and any wider business help or support that we learn is available.

Please be assured that we continue to work hard on your behalf.