COVID-19: Clinically vulnerable and isolating at home

Clinically vulnerable

Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 can be found on GOV.UK – Shielding .

Help with food and other essential supplies

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable and have been ‘shielding’ from COVID-19, you can now spend time outdoors with up to six people (including those outside of your household).

Extra care should be taken to minimise contact with others by maintaining social distancing. For more information, search ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ on GOV.UK .

From 1 August, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable can go to work or to the shops, if they are able to maintain social distancing.

If you are isolating at home for one of the following reasons:

I, or someone in my household has been in contact with someone who is showing symptoms of coronavirus and has been advised to self-isolate
I, or someone in my household is showing symptoms of coronavirus
I am finding it difficult to leave my home because of a disability or because of health or medical condition/s

Where you can, ask friends, family or neighbours who are well to help. If you do not have others to help you there may be local groups who can help, or nearby shops may be able to supply orders for delivery (by phone or by email). Most supermarkets have vouchers available which can be paid for online and used in store, to enable others to shop for you.

You may be able to get support from the NHS Volunteer Responders programme, by calling 0808 196 3646 and giving your name, address, phone number and the name of your GP. You will then be put in touch with volunteers in your area who can go to the shops on your behalf. A carer or family member can also do this for you.

If you are a vulnerable person who has explored other options, but have still been unable to obtain a delivery, please contact us on 01472 313131. We have access to a local network of voluntary and community organisations and volunteers who can help with any support needs. We are also part of a scheme which means we may be able to refer you directly for a priority supermarket delivery slot.

Going to the shops

If you are fit and able to go to the shops, please try to do this, so the limited number of supermarket delivery slots still are available for those who need them most.

You could also consider helping others who are self-isolating and unable to get to the shops themselves with their shopping.

Supermarkets have all put in place measures to protect you while in store, including cleaning trollies and baskets and installing markings to help you stick to social distancing. Follow advice in store and keep social distancing. In England, you must by law wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets from 24 July 2020

There are some circumstances for health, age, or equality reasons, whereby people are not expected to wear face coverings. This will include children under 11 and those with certain disabilities. More information can be found on GOV.UK – Face coverings .