Richmond's vulnerable residents have been reminded to take note of changes to the government's Covid-19 guidance around 'shielding'.

Anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable to the virus has been advised to stay at home as much as possible and keep interactions with people to a minimum.

This is known as 'shielding' and the government is currently advising clinically extremely vulnerable people to shield until Friday, July 31.

The government has made some changes to its guidance for people who are shielding because transmission of Covid-19 in the community has gone down, Richmond Council said.

The changes mean that:

• People who are shielding no longer need to socially distance from the people they live with
• They can meet in a group of up to six people outdoors, including people from other households
• If they live alone, they can also form a 'support bubble' with one other household

Importantly, the government has confirmed that people who are shielding will still receive support with food, care and medicine deliveries up to July 31.

After this, food parcels will stop and people are advised to register on the government's website for a priority supermarket delivery.

This will only be allocated to those who have registered online by Friday, July 17.

Priority supermarket delivery slots

Cllr Piers Allen is chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board. He said: "If you've been contacted by the NHS and advised that you need to shield but have yet to register, please think about doing so now, whether you need help at the moment or not.

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"Registering will allow you to access priority supermarket delivery slots, which may be useful to you in the coming weeks and months.

"To access these slots, please make sure you tick the box which asks for help with accessing essential supplies when you register.

"It will also allow us to keep in contact with you in the event there is a further lockdown."

Mr Allen urged residents who previously said they don't need help but now think they will need support when shielding stops to call the council on 020 8891 7971 or email [email protected]

What happens after July 31?

From August 1, the government will pause shielding unless the transmission of Covid-19 in the community starts to rise significantly.

If there is a significant increase in risk levels in the future, the government will again write to all people who are clinically extremely vulnerable setting out any changes to advice.

Ahead of these changes to shielding guidance, Richmond Council said it will be making contact with all those who are currently receiving government food parcels, to check that they have registered for a priority supermarket delivery slot or have plans in place before the end of July.