PEOPLE who have been shielding are being reminded help will still be available.
Around 22,000 people in Warwickshire have been advised to stay at home and avoid non-essential face to face contact due to medical conditions which put them at greater risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
But from Monday July 6 they can spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing. Those who live alone or are single parents with children will also be able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household.
From August 1 the guidance will be relaxed so they do not have to shield and can participate in more activities such as visiting shops and places of worship – whilst following strict social distancing measures and undertaking frequent handwashing.
Those who need to work, and cannot do so from home, will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is coronavirus secure.
Support will be available from the county council and NHS volunteers, but food parcels and household items will no longer be provided.
People will retain their priority for supermarket delivery slots, and still be able to access help with shopping, medication, phone calls and transport to medical appointments.
Warwickshire County Council leader Izzi Seccombe said: “It’s very positive there are now steps towards a planned return to a more normal life for people whose lives were most dramatically changed as a result of the pandemic.
“People adhering to shielding guidance have made great sacrifices to stay safe and I appreciate how hard this has been. These changes to guidance mean they will finally be able to reunite with loved ones and begin to enjoy new freedoms. I urge them to do so safely and follow advice to maintain social distancing and undertake frequent handwashing to offer defence against transmission of the virus.
“I would like to remind people that support will continue to be available from the council and our public, community and voluntary sector partners. Our hotline and contact centre will remain open if anyone needs further help or advice.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirusvulnerable or call 0800 408 1447 for more information.
