New freedoms for city people shielding from coronavirus - but still keep your distance advise public health chiefs

People shielding who live alone (or are a lone adult with dependent children under 18), will also be able to form a ‘support bubble’ with another household.

The changes were announced by the Government last week, along with the pausing of the shielding programme from August 1. The Countywide Coordination Hub is supporting members of the shielded community in and around Peterborough and Cambridgeshire who may be anxious about the transition from July 6.

Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, said: “It is really important that even with the gradual relaxing of the guidance for people who are shielding, that they continue to keep a safe two metre distance from anyone not in their household. Also, try not to share items such as cups and plates if you are attending a barbecue.

“Cases of the virus have reduced but it is still really important at this time for people who are shielding to exercise caution and follow the rules.”

Adrian Chapman, Service Director for Communities and Partnerships at Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We know that the update from Government relating to the pausing of the shielding programme will be met with both excitement and anxiety.

“For many people Monday will be a day of celebration when they can spend time, at a distance, with friends and family who they may not have seen face to face for months.

“But we also know there will be many people who will feel anxious about the relaxing of the guidance and will need help and support to transition out of shielding and to move towards a new way of life, which of course will still include social distancing. For those people, the Countywide Hub will be there to provide that support. In addition, NHS volunteer responders will continue to offer support after the 31 July to those who need it, including collecting and delivering food and medicines.

“In addition, we will be keeping a record of people who are extremely clinically vulnerable in case the R rate starts to increase and there is a need for people to shield once again.”

If you need support and you do not have friends, family or neighbours to help you, visit the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire websites or call 0345 045 5219.