Update for Norwich North: New guidelines for people who are shielding

The Government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, in a way that continues to protect our community and our NHS. 

 

I know that pandemic has been particularly hard for people who have needed to shield. It is good new that social distancing guidelines can be safely relaxed for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, as the spread of coronavirus is slowing. 

 

From 6 July, the government will be advising that clinically extremely vulnerable people:

• May meet in a group of up to 6 people outdoors, including people from different households, while maintaining strict social distancing;
• No longer need to observe social distancing with other members of your household;
• Can form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household.

 

All those in a support bubble can spend time together inside each other’s homes, including overnight, without needing to socially distance. 

 

I hope that these new guidelines will support those who have needed to shield feel part of the community here in Norwich again. Everyone in receipt of food boxes and medicine deliveries will continue to receive this support until the end of July.

 

There are further changes planned. From 1 August, the shielding programme will be paused, reflecting the progress made in managing the spread of coronavirus. 

 

In practice this means that from 1 August, if you were classed as shielding you can: 

• Go to work, if you cannot work from home, as long as the workplace is Covid-safe;
• Children who are clinically extremely vulnerable can return to their education settings if they are eligible;
• Go outside to buy food, to places of worship and for exercise but you should maintain strict social distancing.

 

The advice remains to stay at home where possible and, if you do go out, to follow strict social distancing. 

 

Shielding is a way of protecting 'clinically extremely vulnerable' people. If you have any questions about social distancing, or shielding, the NHS requests that you contact your GP. 

 

To support this cautious transition the Government has published detailed guidance.  You can read full guidelines on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable here: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#parents-and-schools-with-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-children