UK releases advisory in Punjabi for those staying at home amid Covid-19 pandemic

LONDON:The Boris Johnson government on Monday released a letter in Punjabi, addressing those in the Indian community currently shielding at home, informing them of the changes to official advice from July 6, when lockdown norms are to be eased.

The letter, signed by health secretary Matt Hancock and communities secretary Robert Jenrick, has been sent to community centres, places of worship and individuals. Those shielding include mostly elderly individuals assessed to be at very high risk of being infected.

Health officials say the shielding measures should be followed when an extremely vulnerable person is living in their own home, with or without additional support, or in a long-term care facility. The measures aim to protect them by minimising all interaction between them and others.

As of June 25, the death toll of people categorised as ‘Indian’ in England was 763. The letter informs recipients that from July 6, those shielding can meet in a group of up to six people outdoors, including people from different households, while maintaining social distancing. They will also be allowed to no longer maintain social distancing from others in their respective households.

Informing individuals of help available at various levels, Hancock and Jenrick wrote: “We know that shielding has not been easy for you and anybody living with you and we would like to thank you for your resilience over the last few months.”

“However, it has been important for you to shield while the virus was widespread. Thankfully the number of people with the virus, and so the risk to you, is coming down”, the letter added.