Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has welcomed news that shielding will ease on the 6th of July and then pause then in England from the beginning of August.
Throughout lockdown, those with underlying health issues and those who are considered vulnerable have been asked to shield themselves, meaning they have been unable to see others. Under new regulations that will be put in place from July 6th, the regulations will be eased for 2.2. million clinically extremely vulnerable people across England. From July 6th, those shielding will be able to gather in groups of up to six people outdoors and will be able to form a support bubble with one other household. From the end of July, people will no longer be required to shield. This follows the significant decline of the virus and the Covid-alert level being reduced from four to three.
The Government will continue to provide support to those who are shielding until the end of July. From August 1st, support will remain available from councils and the NHS – those who are now shielding will still have access for priority supermarket shopping and transport to medical appointments. Those shielding will still be asked to follow social distancing measures but will be able to go outside, go shopping and go back to work as long as their workplace is safe. Full information can be found here.
Commenting, Richard said ‘This is really welcome news for the millions of people in England who are currently shielding. They have done so much work to keep themselves and others safe and I know from speaking to constituents how difficult it has been for so many of those who are shielding. I have been unable to see my elderly grandparents for months as they have been shielding and I know that so many of you have been in the same boat – I know how hard it has been. Rural areas like Weardale have been badly affected and my team and I have been helping people shielding with food deliveries. I am delighted that, now the regulations are lifting, people will be able to get back to a new normal and start seeing friends and families again. Due to everyone’s commitment to lockdown and keeping safe, we are starting to see regulations ease. I am really thankful to all of you who have given up so much throughout lockdown and I will continue to work with and for my constituents, to ensure that they have the support they need.’
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