Shielding end date for city’s vulnerable residents revealed
THOUSANDS HAVE BEEN IN ISOLATION FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS
AN end date for people who are shielding in Leicester has been announced by the government.
While issuing updates on local lockdowns and the government’s watchlist yesterday, the Department of Health and Social Care said individuals who are shielding in Leicester will no longer need to do so from October 5.
The news will signal the end of over six months in isolation for thousands of clinically vulnerable people living in the city.
Letters were sent out to people with medical conditions or ill health asking them to remain at home and reduce social contact with others before the local lockdown was announced.
Nationally 1.5 million people were asked to shield, initially for 12 weeks.
The guidance was extended until the end of the national lockdown, but for 15,000 people in Leicester, the advice continued in line with local lockdown. Until October 5, the advice remains:
■ People are still advised to stay at home as much as possible;
■ Shielders do not need to observe social distancing with other members of their household;
■ Shielders may, if they wish, meet in a group of up to six people outdoors, including people from different households, while maintaining strict social distancing;
■ Single adults living alone may if they wish also form a support bubble with one other household.
All those in a support bubble can spend time together inside each other’s homes, including overnight, without needing to socially distance.
Weekly food boxes and care have been provided by Leicester City Council for shielders and council staff and volunteers are also collecting and delivering medical prescriptions to those who cannot leave their homes.
Priority supermarket delivery slots provided by supermarkets have also helped those who have been unable to go out to shops.
■ Cost of coronavirus to the city council, Page 7.
The guidance was extended until the end of the national lockdown, but for 15,000 people in Leicester