Wick is part of regional network of coronavirus hubs
WICK is one of 10 hubs that have been set up by Highland Council to help people who have an increased risk of contracting coronavirus because of underlying health problems.
The local authority has stressed that the hub at Wick and the others in Golspie, Invergordon, Dingwall, Nairn, Aviemore, Inverness, Fort William, Portree and Ullapool are not open to the public.
A spokeswoman confirmed the hubs are operational but added: "Referrals come by phone or online and we arrange support to the door for people 'shielding' – self-isolating for 12 weeks – while observing social distancing."
Support can also be provided over the phone, she said.
The initiative is supported by Wick and East Caithness councillor Nicola Sinclair.
She said: "It's my understanding that the hub will be the main coordinating centre for community support and will be staffed by Highland Council and High Life Highland with support from local community groups. It will also have access to refrigerated vehicles if the decision is made that the hubs should distribute food too."
Councillor Sinclair added: "We had a 24-way conference call on Monday and last week with voluntary groups and stakeholders all over Caithness and I'm delighted to see that very professional and caring services are being set up in every area.
"We owe an enormous debt of thanks to these groups and particularly Allan Tait from Caithness Voluntary Group who has worked so hard to coordinate everything.
"People in Caithness are heeding the message to stay home and we are ready and waiting to support those who need it most.
"I'm so proud of this community right now. We have difficult times ahead but I know we'll support each other."
Highland Council set up the hubs in response to the Scottish Government’s announcement on "shielding" people at increased risk from the coronavirus. People with specific health conditions which put them at higher risk from the virus will receive letters from the NHS advising them they must self-isolate for 12 weeks to protect themselves and reduce the risk of hospital admissions.
Anyone receiving a "shielding letter" can contact the council for support during their period of self-isolation. People may need different types of support and that might change during the 12 weeks, although some may need no assistance because they have family or friends who can help.
Those seeking help are being asked to use the council’s dedicated helpline on 01349 886669 or complete a form online at www.highland.gov.uk/shielding to provide their contact details and the type of support they require.
Highland Council will gather the information about who needs support and pass it to one of the 10 hubs to get support to the people requesting it.
The council spokeswoman said: "Staff from the council and partner organisations will work alongside community groups to provide this local support. Already over 240 groups have offered help and that number continues to grow.
"Many groups are already providing an invaluable service to their communities.
"We recognise that in addition to those individuals who have been advised by the NHS to self-isolate there will be other people who need support. This may be support now or in the coming weeks because people need to self-isolate or need additional help.
"Anyone requiring support during self-isolation can call the council’s new helpline at 0300 303 1362 and select the ‘need help with welfare’ option. We will prioritise support for those with shielding letters but will also help other vulnerable people."
