People shielding during lockdown helped to regain independence – but support will remain if they need it
As previously outlined, North Yorkshire residents who need help getting food and medication because they are currently shielded are being reassured that support will still be available when the programme stops.
More than 3,000 shielded people in North Yorkshire have relied on the Government food and prescription deliveries, and in an update this week (July 15) the council said it was contacting those who have needed help and support: “Our customer service centre will support people to put alternative arrangements in place should they need it and our support for people who do not have anyone else to call on will continue.”
From August 1 the Government is advising those people who were previously shielded to adopt strict social distancing, rather than full shielding measures. People who have been shielding will be able to visit shops and return to work provided that their workplace is Covid-secure. Priority supermarket delivery slots will continue but anyone who hasn’t registered must do so before 17 July.
The county council said this week: “Last week our customer service centre made 18 new referrals to community support organisations from incoming calls and 23 following the outbound call campaign to people on the shielded list.
“Since March, in a vital team initiative, we have worked with district councils and 23 community organisations across North Yorkshire to coordinate the voluntary sector network in each locality. 3,178 people received help through community support organisations last week and many are helping people build their confidence as they begin to regain some independence. Meal delivery, food shopping and prescription collection continue to be the areas of highest demand.”
Millions of people shielding from coronavirus were advised they can spend more time outside their homes earlier this month. Advisory guidance is being eased for 2.2 million clinically extremely vulnerable people across England as virus infection rates continue to fall.
