From 6 July, those who are shielding may spend more time outside. Full details can be read here.
As of 21/03/2020, the Government has announced that up to 1.5 million people in the UK should remain at home for at least the next 12 weeks. This advice is known as shielding. These people are listed as the most vulnerable to serious illness and hospitalisation as a result of a Coronavirus infection. If you are in this group, the NHS will be in contact this week to identify you and provide full information and support throughout the sheilding period.
It's advised that extremely vulnerable people allow others in their support network (immediate family, friends, neighbours) to assist with groceries and medicine. For people who need more support during the shielding period, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced the creation of Local Support Systems to deliver these basic essentials.
In addition, a helpline for the extremely vulnerable will be available to ensure people know exactly how to care for themselves in the coming months. This guidance also applies to children identified as extremely vulnerable.
While this may be a difficult time for some, the aim is to protect the vulnerable and relieve pressure on the NHS, ultimately saving lives. The Government will do everything it can to make sure people do not feel alone during the next 12 weeks. As ever, you can contact me at ruth.edwards.mp@parliament.uk and have a look at my Mental Wellbeing section for tips on staying happy and healthy at home.
We will continue to provide updates as they are announced.
The full guidance on shielding has been published here.
