Shielding advice changes from 1 April

The government has updated its advice to Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people who have been shielding.

From Thursday 1 April, everyone who is CEV will be advised to follow the same rules as the rest of the population.

The government’s decision is based on the latest scientific data and on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer.

As vulnerable residents come out of shielding on 1 April, it’s important that they follow the local Coronavirus guidance to keep themselves as safe as possible:

• Wash hands regularly
• Wear a face covering in all enclosed public spaces
• Keep a distance of 2 metres from anyone you don’t live with
• Work from home where possible
• Only use public transport for essential journeys
• Do not car share with anyone you don’t live with
• No hugging or handshakes
• Self-isolate if you have symptoms of Coronavirus.

CEV people are being advised to take extra precautions, such as continuing to shop online or going out shopping at quieter times, keeping social interactions to a minimum, and continuing to work from home if possible.

Letters are being sent to CEV people with the updated guidance covering things like travel, and going to work and school.

Dr Pervez Muzafar, GP in Darwen and clinical lead for Darwen PCN, said:

Although shielding is to be paused from next month, I would strongly recommend that everyone in the clinically extremely vulnerable category follows the local guidance to keep themselves safe.

Even at this stage of the pandemic, and with a successful roll-out of the vaccination programme, we all still need to be very alert to the dangers of spreading and catching COVID-19.

The government has said it will only reintroduce formal shielding advice in the very worst affected areas and for a limited period of time, based on recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer based on scientific data.

Coun Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Adult Services, said:

It is very encouraging that rates of the virus are now low enough for the government to relax shielding advice.

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people have made huge sacrifices over the last year, missing out on a lot of social contact and precious time with family and friends.

As they come out of shielding, it is vital that everyone in Blackburn with Darwen follows the safety guidance and adheres to the rules at all times.

We must all work together and support one another to beat Coronavirus. The end is in sight, but we aren’t there yet.

There’s more guidance on the pausing to shielding from 1 April on the gov.uk website.

The Council website has more information on support for residents – visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/coronavirus/support-residents.