Clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) residents who have been shielding since lockdown was announced, are advised to stop shielding from 1 April. However, they should still take extra precautions to protect themselves.  

From 1 April CEV residents are advised to:

• Continue to work from home if possible
• Take precautionary steps to minimise any risk when returning to shops and pharmacies
• Ask friends or family to go to the pharmacy for them if they are unable to go, as the free medicine delivery service will no longer run after 31 March
• Continue to maintain strict social distancing, following public health guidance, including the hands, face, space rules
• Return to school or college.

Supermarkets have committed to continuing priority access to delivery slots until 21 June for CEV residents who have already signed up for support. Some supermarkets may choose to extend their offer beyond 21 June and will be in touch to explain the terms of any offer.

Take note that the government’s Shielding Support website for priority access to supermarket delivery slots will not be accepting new registrations after 31 March.

The government will be writing to all CEV residents, with more detailed guidance also being published online by 31 March. For more information on the guidance, read the government’s website.

Help and support

Call the council’s Ealing Together helpline on 020 8825 7170 for advice if you are worried about how you will source food and essentials. This service is open to all residents who are over 60, vulnerable, clinically extremely vulnerable or have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

Ealing Together may be able to put you in touch with local volunteers who can collect your shopping you have paid for on your behalf. It can also provide support if you are in financial crisis and cannot pay for food.

Community support directory

Looking for access to hot cooked meals, bereavement counselling or help with filling in forms for financial assistance? Find volunteer groups in your local area who are ready to help with this and more. Simply pop your postcode into Ealing Together’s online directory and choose the services you need. It is very easy to use.

Photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash