SHIELDING will officially stop on August 1, but there will still be help at hand for residents who need assistance with shopping, medical prescriptions or social support.

More than two million people who are extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 because of an existing health condition have been shielding since mid-March. The Government has now relaxed its guidance for this group of people: they can stop self-isolating, and can visit shops and places of worship from the beginning of August, so long as they still practise social distancing.

Food parcels sent by Government to those shielding will stop on August 1 as individuals are advised they can visit shops and pharmacies.

Those who need to work and cannot do so from home will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is Covid secure, adhering to the guidance available.

Cornwall Council, Volunteer Cornwall and NHS Kernow will continue to support shielded and other vulnerable residents if they need help with food shopping or collections, getting priority supermarket delivery slots, prescriptions, befriending and getting online for assistance.

Anyone who is shielding and needs to set up priority supermarket deliveries should go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable, or call 0800 0288327, the Government’s dedicated helpline, by the end of today (July 17).

Cornwall Council is offering help to anyone who needs assistance with registering for priority supermarket deliveries. Contact the Council’s shielding line on 0300 1233334 for support.

Volunteer Cornwall is continuing to help with collecting and delivering shopping and prescriptions, providing befriending support as well as volunteers helping with other low level needs.

It is also running a ‘Walking Buddies’ programme to support vulnerable residents by providing socially distanced company to help build confidence and allow for social interaction.

If you would like a walking buddy or are interested in volunteering to become one, please call Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email [email protected]

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: ’After three months of staying at home, those who have been shielding will soon be able to go out more and see their friends and family while social distancing. While this may be a happy time for many, for others it will lead to feelings of extreme anxiety.

’Together with NHS Kernow and Volunteer Cornwall we are continuing our support for anyone who is stopping shielding in the coming weeks. Do get in touch with us if you need help with food shopping, prescriptions or if you are feeling anxious, and we will endeavour to help.’

There is ’considerable concern’ about the easing of lockdown, said Ian Jones, chief executive of Volunteer Cornwall. ’Our team will be helping people get back out in their community and we still have thousands of Cornwall’s wonderful volunteers who are willing to help where there is a need. ’Together the institutions and communities of Cornwall can ensure those most in need continue to get the support they require.’

For support, contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1233334 / email [email protected].

Volunteer Cornwall is on 01872 266988 / email [email protected].