As government restrictions ease for people who are currently shielding, Trafford Council is reminding residents about services that will remain in place to support those with severe underlying health conditions.
At the start of lockdown people identified as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ were advised to shield due to being at greater risk of severe illness from covid-19. Since early July people shielding have been able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people and form a support bubble with one other household.
From Saturday 1 August, advice for people shielding will relax further, meaning they can go to work or into shops, providing they are able to maintain social distancing. Support that has been in place for the past four months in the form of delivery of food and medicines will come to an end on 31 July, although supermarkets will continue to give people shielding access to priority delivery slots.
While these national services for people shielding will reduce from 1 August, Trafford’s six Community Response Hubs (based in Altrincham, Partington, Old Trafford, Urmston, Sale and Stretford) will continue to operate, with volunteers on hand to assist with food shopping, collection of medication and other support and advice as required.
Anyone in need of assistance should call Trafford’s Community Response Line on 0300 330 9073.
Cllr Graham Whitham, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships said:
"We would like to reassure people shielding that while the guidance has relaxed, there are still appropriate services in place in Trafford to offer support.
Whether that be practical assistance in the form of picking up shopping or medication, a friendly voice to talk to or more specialist advice about employment or financial help, we would encourage people shielding to make use of the Community Response Line to continue to access the help and information they need."
Posted on Friday 17th July 2020