Some residents have been identified by the NHS as being clinically extremely vulnerable as they have a very specific medical condition that makes them at higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19.
As part of the national lockdown (from 6 January 2021), the Government is advising those in this category to follow very careful guidance to ensure they can stay safe and well.
If you are in this category, the Government has published updated guidance.
Clinically extremely vulnerable residents are now advised to follow shielding advice, which states:
You are advised not to go to the shops. Use online shopping if you can, or ask others to collect and deliver shopping for you (friends and family, or NHS Volunteer Responders - call 0808 196 3646 8am to 8pm, seven days a week).
You can register to request access to priority supermarket deliveries, if you do not have someone you can rely on to go shopping for you. If you already have a priority delivery slot with a supermarket, that will continue – you do not need to do anything further.
You are strongly advised not to go to a pharmacy. If friends and family are not able to collect your medicines for you, then you will be eligible for free medicines delivery. Contact your pharmacy to arrange this.
You are strongly advised to work from home. If you cannot work from home, then you should not attend work. You may want to speak to your employer about taking on an alternative role or change your working patterns temporarily to enable you to work from home where possible.
Your employer may be able to furlough you under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA). The formal shielding letter you receive from the Government will act as evidence for your employer and the Department of Work and Pensions that you are advised to shield and may be eligible for SSP or ESA.
Members of the household who are not clinically extremely vulnerable should continue to attend work if they are unable to work from home.
You are advised to stay at home as much as possible and not to travel unless essential.
You are advised to stay at home as much as possible and limit the time you spend outside your home. You should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or for essential reasons
You can still remain in your support bubble, but you cannot meet with friends and family you do not live with unless they are part of your support bubble. Try to stay 2 metres away from other people within your household.
You can continue to receive care at home, either from professional social care and medical professionals, or from friends and family within your support bubble.
You should continue to access the NHS services that you need, and you should contact the NHS if you have an urgent or emergency care need.
Advice to the clinically extremely vulnerable has been and remains advisory.
The Government food boxes have now stopped and will not be reintroduced. However, there are a number of ways you can still access support.
You can register to request access to priority supermarket deliveries, if you do not have someone you can rely on to go shopping for you. If you have already got priority supermarket deliveries, you will keep them. When registering you will be asked for your NHS number. You can find it on any letter the NHS has sent you, or on a prescription.
Registering on the site just gives you priority. It does not mean you’ll definitely get a delivery slot. If you want priority supermarket deliveries, you will also need to set up an account with at least one supermarket and book slots yourself.
Vulnerable or housebound residents can also order shopping via telephone with Sainsbury’s or Morrisons for next day delivery.
If you urgently need groceries, you can also order shopping from food delivery companies like Deliveroo or UberEats
The NHS Volunteer Responders can continue to go shopping for you and pick up prescriptions. A check in and chat service is available for regular talks over the phone. You can contact them by calling 0808 196 3646 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. More information is available on the NHS Volunteer Responders website.
If you need help with your finances or need other help or support as a result of Covid-19, please see our directory of financial support available in the borough.
If you are feeling anxious, worried or overwhelmed during this period, please have a look at our list of mental health resources.
Please contact our Community Hub:
You can arrange this by:
Updated: 05 January 2021