UNPAID carers who look after a friend or family member are being urged to ensure they have an emergency plan in place in case they become unwell or need to self-isolate.

A new leaflet offering carers advice on how to protect themselves and those they look after from Covid-19 has been produced by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

It urges anyone who has not drawn up an emergency plan to do so in discussion with other relatives and friends.

It says: “An emergency plan is a document that lets people know what needs to be done to support the person you care for in an emergency.

“Carers who do not already have an emergency plan may want to talk with family and friends about who could take over their caring role if they become ill or need to self-isolate.”

The emergency plan should include the name, address and contact details of the person being cared for, details of the person who should be contacted in an emergency, and details of any medication the cared for person is taking, and any ongoing treatment.

Any carer who becomes unwell is asked to call East Lothian Social Work, while Carers of East Lothian are available to offer support to carers who need help with drawing up an emergency plan, finances or emotional support.

The leaflet can be found at eastlothian.gov.uk/downloads/file/29317/carers_leaflet_covid_19