Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what advice and support is available for people who are clinically vulnerable to covid-19 but who have not been told that they are required to be shield.

Public safety throughout this period is the Government’s top priority – this includes keeping safe society’s most vulnerable. We advise those who are clinically vulnerable to follow the Staying Alert and Safe social distancing guidance available on the GOV.UK website. The advice is to stay at home as much as possible and, if they do go out, take particular care to minimise contact with others by always staying two metres apart from others outside their household or support bubble, avoiding crowds, and keeping their hands and face as clean as possible.

Many local organisations across the country are providing support to vulnerable people. In addition, NHS Volunteer Responders are available to help open to anyone who needs to self-isolate for any reason and who may need support with their shopping, obtaining their medicines or who might need someone to talk to.

For those who are vulnerable or at risk and need help with shopping, medication or other essential supplies, they can call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm).