Worcestershire health chief urges caution for clinically vulnerable people venturing out

June 05 2020
Worcestershire health chief urges caution for clinically vulnerable people venturing out

Worcestershire’s Director for Public Health has warned clinically vulnerable people shielded during lockdown to remain cautious as they are now able to spend some limited time outdoors.

Dr Kathryn Cobain made her comments following an announcement confirming the move by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.

The updated guidance now states that a shielded person can go outside once a day.

They can do that with members of their household or one person from a different household if they live alone.

They must remain two metres apart from everyone else and wash their hands on returning home.

Dr Cobain said: “If you are shielding, you may now go outside for exercise, if you are able to do so safely, and following social distancing measures.

“It is important to remember though, that aside from this change, the rest of the guidance for shielded people remains the same.

“The changes are very cautious and are advisory only. I’d encourage anyone shielding to only make the changes if they feel comfortable doing so.”

At the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, clinically extremely vulnerable people were advised to shield until June 30. That meant not leaving the house at all and not having any non-essential contact.

Those individuals are those most at risk of severe illness if they contract Coronavirus.

Around two million people fall within that category in the UK, including both children and adults of all ages.

Apart from going outside once a day, shielded people should continue to avoid all non-essential contact and continue to avoid places such as supermarkets on pharmacies.

The support that is available for those shielded in Worcestershire such as childcare and food deliveries remains in place and is unchanged.

The updated guidance can be viewed in full at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Photo caption: Dr Kathryn Cobain.