Information for safeguarding professionals

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Safeguarding adults during COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

There is a great deal of information available in relation to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak already, and the impact it has had on every part of our daily life, not least frontline services such as Health, Social Care and Police.

Bolton Safeguarding Adults Board has dedicated a page containing information from our partners and other organisations from across the town, in the hope that it provides anybody who is needing to seek information and resources in relation to safeguarding adults whilst the outbreak is ongoing and the measures remain in place from the UK Government.

Information & Advice during the Coronavirus Outbreak

For general information during the Coronavirus outbreak please refer to the UK Government advice:

Mental Capacity Act & DOLS Covid 19 Guidance

During the outbreak, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the safeguards provided by the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) still apply. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards provide further safeguards for those who need to be deprived of their liberty in order to receive care or treatment in a care home or hospital, but do not have the capacity to consent to those arrangements.

This guidance is only valid during the COVID-19 pandemic and applies to those caring for adults who lack the relevant mental capacity to consent to their care and treatment. The guidance applies until withdrawn by the Department. During the pandemic, the principles of the MCA and the safeguards provided by DoLS still apply.

MCA DOLS Covid Guidance
Annex B DOLS Urgent Authorisation Form
Decision-making flowchart for hospitals and care homes

Health Clinicians & NHS Managers

Information and advice for Health Clinicians and NHS managers during the Coronavirus outbreak is provided by NHS England, who have dedicated Coronavirus information and advice for primary care, secondary care, and community, social care and ambulance services.

If you are a member of the public looking for local health advice, visit:

Support for victims of domestic abuse

Please visit the link below regarding the national guidance for domestic abuse support at this current time:

The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team

The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team has produced some helpful materials to help promote awareness around coronavirus (COVID-19) scams at this difficult time. The team has released a press release around criminals exploiting fears about coronavirus to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends.

Wash your hands of coronavirus scams! Read it. Share it. Prevent it.

Coronavirus - Social Media Pack

Additional resources for partner agencies

How to Stay Safe - poster

Health Issues - poster

What If You Get Ill - poster

Staying at Home - poster

Please Don't Spread It - poster

You Must Stay at Home - poster