SHIELDING for clinically extremely vulnerable Ilkley residents has come to an end following government guidance.

In line with the government’s COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 roadmap published last month, those on the shielded patient list can begin to follow the national restrictions alongside the rest of the population, but are still advised to take extra precautions to keep themselves safe from COVID-19.

Until the social distancing rules are eased more widely, it is important that you continue to keep the number of social interactions that you have low and try to reduce the amount of time you spend in settings where you are unable to maintain social distancing.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people in the Bradford district are eligible for the vaccine. If you have not had your first vaccination yet, contact the NHS to book your appointment. You will need your NHS number, which can be found on the letter you received from the government informing you that you are clinically extremely vulnerable. Book your coronavirus vaccine today by calling 119 or going online www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination

The four actions everyone needs to take are - hands, face, space and fresh air. Remember the key behaviours of washing hands, wearing face coverings, making space and meeting in the fresh air to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Sarah Muckle, Bradford Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “All clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) Bradford District residents should now have received a letter from the Department of Health and Social Care about the new guidance and changes. This means that, from 1 April, CEVs are no longer advised to shield but must continue to follow the rules in place for everyone under the current national restrictions.

“It is still important people continue to follow the national rules and take the additional precautions set out in the guidance to keep themselves as protected as possible.”

For more information on the guidance visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19