What to do if you are clinically shielded – Frequently Asked Questions
Updated shielding guidelines
In October 2020 the Government issued new guidance to protect everyone who is classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and was previously being shielded earlier in the pandemic.
The new advice is based on the local COVID alert level in your area and is less restrictive than previous shielding advice.
This is because since the introduction of shielding, many new measures have been brought in, including the rule of 6, COVID-secure workplaces, and the widespread use of face coverings, all of which has led the Government to revise shielding advice to be less restrictive.
Please see the Government website for more information.
Local COVID alert levels have rules and advice based on the level of risk in a local area.
Cornwall is on a Medium Covid alert level. Here is the advice for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable in Medium Covid alert level:
Socialising inside and outside the home
When seeing friends and family you do not live with (or have formed a support bubble with) you must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors or outdoors.
In addition, clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to take extra precautions by strictly maintaining social distancing, meeting outside if possible, and keeping the number of different people they meet low.
You do not need to maintain social distancing with members of your own household.
Work and school
You should continue to work from home where possible.
If you cannot work from home, you can still attend your workplace as your workplace should be COVID-secure. The Government's general advice on work has further details about what to do if you have concerns.
All pupils and students should continue to attend education settings at all local COVID alert levels unless they are one of the very small number of pupils or students under paediatric or other specialist care and have been advised by their GP or clinician not to attend an education setting.
Travel
There are no restrictions on travel at local COVID alert level: medium. The Government advises clinically extremely vulnerable people to limit journeys on public transport where possible.
Going to shops and pharmacies
The Government advises clinically extremely vulnerable people to consider shopping or visiting the pharmacy at quieter times of the day. You can further protect yourself by strictly observing good hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing as much as possible.
If you require additional care and support
At all times, you should continue to access the social care and medical services you need. Providers of these services are making efforts to ensure services remain open and as safe as possible.
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.
If the local alert level changes
You could be advised to shield again if the situation changes and there is an increase in the transmission of COVID-19 in the community.
There is specific guidance on what will happen if there is a local lockdown in your area.
Updated shielding advice will be much more targeted and will only apply in some of the worst affected areas and only for a limited period of time.
You are only advised to follow shielding advice if you receive a new written shielding notification.
Priority supermarket deliveries
Supermarkets are continuing to provide priority delivery slots to vulnerable individuals. Please note that you may need to have registered an online shopping account with a supermarket in order for them to contact you.
Help with prescriptions
Volunteer Cornwall can help with collecting medical prescriptions. Contact Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk.
If you have a complex need or medical question, contact the Government’s helpline on 0800 0288327 or your GP.
Other help and support
Volunteer Cornwall
Volunteer Cornwall is continuing to help with collecting and delivering shopping and prescriptions. They also providing befriending support as well as volunteers helping with other low level needs.
Volunteer Cornwall is running a ‘Walking Buddies’ programme. The programme supports vulnerable residents by providing socially distanced company to help build confidence and allow for social interaction.
If you would like a walking buddy, or would like to volunteer to become one, contact Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email mid@volunteercornwall.org.uk
Mental health
If you would like support with your mental health please see our wellbeing guide.
Staying active
If you would like advice on staying fit and active please see the active at home guide.
Extra support
If you need any extra support contact:
- Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 334 or email covid19@cornwall.gov.uk
- Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk.
Updated shielding guidelines
In October 2020 the Government issued new guidance to protect everyone who is classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and was previously being shielded earlier in the pandemic.
Continue readingThe new advice is based on the local COVID alert level in your area and is less restrictive than previous shielding advice.
This is because since the introduction of shielding, many new measures have been brought in, including the rule of 6, COVID-secure workplaces, and the widespread use of face coverings, all of which has led the Government to revise shielding advice to be less restrictive.
Please see the Government website for more information.
Local COVID alert levels have rules and advice based on the level of risk in a local area.
Cornwall is on a Medium Covid alert level. Here is the advice for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable in Medium Covid alert level:
When seeing friends and family you do not live with (or have formed a support bubble with) you must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors or outdoors.
In addition, clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to take extra precautions by strictly maintaining social distancing, meeting outside if possible, and keeping the number of different people they meet low.
You do not need to maintain social distancing with members of your own household.
You should continue to work from home where possible.
If you cannot work from home, you can still attend your workplace as your workplace should be COVID-secure. The Government's general advice on work has further details about what to do if you have concerns.
All pupils and students should continue to attend education settings at all local COVID alert levels unless they are one of the very small number of pupils or students under paediatric or other specialist care and have been advised by their GP or clinician not to attend an education setting.
There are no restrictions on travel at local COVID alert level: medium. The Government advises clinically extremely vulnerable people to limit journeys on public transport where possible.
The Government advises clinically extremely vulnerable people to consider shopping or visiting the pharmacy at quieter times of the day. You can further protect yourself by strictly observing good hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing as much as possible.
At all times, you should continue to access the social care and medical services you need. Providers of these services are making efforts to ensure services remain open and as safe as possible.
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.
You could be advised to shield again if the situation changes and there is an increase in the transmission of COVID-19 in the community.
There is specific guidance on what will happen if there is a local lockdown in your area.
Updated shielding advice will be much more targeted and will only apply in some of the worst affected areas and only for a limited period of time.
You are only advised to follow shielding advice if you receive a new written shielding notification.
Supermarkets are continuing to provide priority delivery slots to vulnerable individuals. Please note that you may need to have registered an online shopping account with a supermarket in order for them to contact you.
Volunteer Cornwall can help with collecting medical prescriptions. Contact Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk.
If you have a complex need or medical question, contact the Government’s helpline on 0800 0288327 or your GP.
Volunteer Cornwall
Volunteer Cornwall is continuing to help with collecting and delivering shopping and prescriptions. They also providing befriending support as well as volunteers helping with other low level needs.
Volunteer Cornwall is running a ‘Walking Buddies’ programme. The programme supports vulnerable residents by providing socially distanced company to help build confidence and allow for social interaction.
If you would like a walking buddy, or would like to volunteer to become one, contact Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email mid@volunteercornwall.org.uk
Mental health
If you would like support with your mental health please see our wellbeing guide.
Staying active
If you would like advice on staying fit and active please see the active at home guide.
Extra support
If you need any extra support contact:
- Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 334 or email covid19@cornwall.gov.uk
- Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk.