Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take to support vulnerable people in public places who are anxious about the easing of covid-19 restrictions; and whether he plans to reinstate early opening hours in supermarkets to facilitate shopping for the clinically extremely vulnerable.

As restrictions are eased from 19 July, clinically extremely vulnerable people will be able to follow the same rules as the rest of the population, although they may wish to take extra precautions to reduce their chance of catching COVID-19. The guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable will be updated ahead of 19 July.

All members of the public are encouraged to be respectful and considerate of those who may wish to take a more cautious approach as restrictions are lifted. The National Health Service has provided advice on dealing with related anxiety which is available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/tips-to-cope-with-anxiety-lockdown-lifting/

There are no current plans to reinstate early opening hours in supermarkets for the clinically extremely vulnerable.