A new national lockdown is beginning this week and is expected to go on until December 2nd. Though the measures aren’t quite as strict as they were as during the first lockdown, our normal lives will be disrupted. You may be concerned about whether or not your new wheelchair ramp can be installed. For wheelchair users and people who are less mobile, it is important to be prepared.

What are the new lockdown rules for England?

The devolved nations currently have differing lockdown rules but the ones coming into force in England this week include:

People will be required to stay at home apart from for education, work that can’t be done from home, exercise, shopping for food and other essentials, or to care for others. Medical appointments will go ahead as usual and patients are encouraged to attend.
All pubs, restaurants and cafes will close, though takeaway and deliveries can continue.
Households will not be allowed to mix with others indoors, or in private gardens.
Individuals can meet one person from outside their household in an outside public place.
Support bubbles for people who live alone and households made up of single parents and children can continue

Can I still have a wheelchair ramp fitted?

The full legislation has yet to be decided but we predict it will be possible under the new lockdown rules as tradespeople are allowed to enter homes as long as social distancing rules are adhered to. If you are unsure about anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and are always happy to answer any questions of queries you may have about our products and services. If you are considering have a modular wheelchair ramp or disabled steps installed at your home, please drop us a line. A new lockdown shouldn’t affect your plans, and having an accessible route in and out of your home will help you stay mobile should more lockdowns happen in the future.

Safety tips for using a temporary ramp

If you are waiting to have a ramp fitted and are using a temporary ramp, it’s important to be safe. Hospitals, A&E departments and GP surgeries are still open for non-coronavirus problems. However, it’s better to be safe in the first place rather than needing to visit them. Portable wheelchair ramps that aren’t fixed down can be hazardous if not used properly. Here are some tips on using them safely:

If you have a seatbelt, make sure it is properly fastened.
Remove anything that could cause you to tip backwards, such as heavy shopping bags.
Centre your chair at the base of the ramp, between the rims on either side. Check you are square on to the ramp to make getting up it easier.
If you have a motorised chair or scooter proceed slowly so you don’t knock the ramp out of place. This is especially important when going down the ramp.
As you approach the bottom of the ramp, slow down to avoid bumping or slipping. Hitting the ground too hard could cause you to fall out.