CHESHIRE East Council is encouraged by the easing of shielding guidelines for its clinically extremely vulnerable residents, who are most at risk from coronavirus.

There are 2.2 million clinically extremely vulnerable people in England with underlying severe health conditions, who must be protected from coronavirus and have been advised to follow shielding guidance.

These are people of all ages with medical conditions identified by the NHS, who are at greater risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

The government has now reviewed the latest evidence, and as of July 6 those shielding have been able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people, including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing.

Those who are shielding and live alone or are single parents with children, are now able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household of any size, following the same rules already in place for the wider population.

Support for those shielding will be extended to the end of July and this includes the delivery of food and medicines.

The NHS will continue to maintain the Shielded Patient List, allowing the government to continue to maintain targeted advice and support to this group and to change advice and support if the number of incidences rise.

From Saturday, August 1 the shielding advice will relax further, allowing those shielding to do even more, such as visit shops and places of worship, provided they take particular care to maintain social distancing rigorously and minimise contact with others outside their household.

Cllr Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for health, said: “Our shielding hub has supported more than 3,000 vulnerable residents and we have delivered almost 300 food parcels.

“Relaxing the shielding advice and pausing shielding from the beginning of August is a positive step forward and will provide welcome news for many.

“But I would still strongly urge everyone to support our clinically extremely vulnerable residents by continuing to follow social distancing measures wherever possible, maintain a thorough regime of handwashing and disinfect surfaces along with wearing face masks where appropriate, or if advised to do so.”

If residents are vulnerable or at risk and need help with shopping, medication or other essential supplies, call the government helpline on 0808 196 3646 from 8am-8pm or go to cheshireeast.gov.uk/peoplehhelpingpeople