COVID-19: Clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable
Clinically vulnerable
If you are over 60 or clinically vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus so you should be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise your contacts with others.
If you follow these rules and maintain social distance, you can continue to visit shops and go to work if you are unable to work from home.
Clinically extremely vulnerable
A further group, the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) individuals who were advised to shield during the first national lockdown are advised to reduce social contact and try to arrange for friends and family to pick up supplies for them where possible.
Attending NHS appointments, exercise outdoors and meeting outside with the individual’s support bubble is allowed. Those living with CEV individuals, such as children, are expected to continue to attend school, visit shops etc as per the wider national guidance.
Those who cannot work at home will have access to Statutory Sick Pay and the furlough scheme if they are eligible, and community pharmacists will be funded to supply medicines.
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
Extra care should be taken to minimise contact with others by maintaining social distancing. For more information, search ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ on GOV.UK .
Where you can, ask friends, family or neighbours who are able 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.
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 .
Priority food deliveries and vouchers
For information and support on priority food deliveries, vouchers and payment options go to Shopping and food deliveries.
Test and trace support payment
The test and trace support payment scheme is available to help those on low incomes to self-isolate. It is available until 31 January 2021.
Find out more on Test and trace support payment.