Shielding guidance changes in Blackburn with Darwen

From today advice is changing for residents of Blackburn with Darwen who have been shielding.

Monday 5 October is the day that shielding is paused for people classed as clinically extremely vulnerable in the eight areas of the borough that have been subject to tighter restrictions.

This includes people who have received organ transplants, people with certain cancers, people with severe respiratory conditions, and pregnant women.

While incidences of Coronavirus continue to be high in Blackburn with Darwen, the government’s decision to pause shielding is based on the presence of wider local measures to protect all residents from exposure to the virus.

As vulnerable residents come out of shielding, 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
• Do not allow any visitors to your home or garden
• Do not meet up with anyone you don’t live with, even extended family
• No hugging or handshakes
• Self-isolate if you have symptoms of Coronavirus.

Adults who live alone, or with dependent children under the age of 18, can form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household. All those in a support bubble will be able to spend time together inside each other’s homes, including overnight, without the need to social distance.

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

Although shielding has now ended, I would strongly recommend that anyone in the extremely vulnerable category should follow the local guidance in order to keep themselves safe. We still need to be very alert against the dangers of spreading and catching Covid 19.

The BwD Help Hub is still operating for those residents who need support with:

• Finance, benefits and debt management
• Mental health support
• Wellbeing and loneliness
• Learning, training and employment
• Getting online and using modern technology
• Access to food and other essentials.

Get in touch with the Help Hub at www.blackburn.gov.uk/helphub or call 01254 588111.

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

We appreciate that the last six months have been tough for residents who have had to shield at home to keep themselves safe. It’s important that these people continue to follow the guidance to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus.

To anyone in this situation I would say, please ask for help if you need it. Our Help Hub is linked up with many local organisations who can provide a wide range of support. They are there to help you, and support you to continue to look after yourself while Coronavirus rates remain high in Blackburn with Darwen.

There is more guidance on the end of shielding on the government’s www.gov.uk website.