Advice to people as shielding comes to an end

Earlier this year the government advised people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and therefore at a greater risk of being seriously ill with coronavirus to shield until March 31.

As of tomorrow (April 1) shielding will come to an end but Dudley Council is still advising those who have been shielding to work from home if they possibly can and to minimise risk by travelling and shopping at quieter times.

Children who are clinically extremely vulnerable will be able to return to school.

People are reminded that the National Shielding Support Service closes today but anyone already registered will continue to receive priority access to supermarket delivery slots until June 21.

People can still access local support by calling the council’s pleased to meet you team via 01384 812761 or communitysupportserv@dudley.gov.uk or call the Covid support line on 0300 3302 152 on Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30.

Support can include access to essential supplies (including food and medicine), advice on how to access financial support and help to prevent loneliness.

Karen Wright, director of public health at Dudley Council, said:

The number of positive cases is far lower now than what it would have been when this latest period of shielding began but nonetheless, we are still seeing positive cases across the borough.

Our advice to anyone who has been shielding is to take small steps in returning to some level of normality to keep the risks they face as low as possible.

Please access the local support that is available to help you in the coming weeks.

For more information and advice for people who have been shielding go to www.dudley.gov.uk/shielded