Cornwall Council,?NHS Kernow?and Volunteer Cornwall?are reassuring?all clinically extremely vulnerable residents?that?support?is?available?as more people are asked to shield as part of new government guidelines.

The Department of Health and Social Care?is writing to?an additional 4,333 adults in Cornwall out of 1.7 million people across England who have been identified under a new scientific model as having multiple risk factors which make them more vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19.

Latest technology analyses a combination of risk factors based on medical records, including health and personal factors, such as age, ethnicity, BMI and deprivation levels, as well as certain medical conditions and treatments, to assess whether somebody may be more vulnerable than was previously understood.

Those newly identified by their doctors or consultants as being clinically extremely vulnerable will now be asked to?stay at home as much as possible except to go outdoors for exercise or?to?attend health appointments in the same way as people who have been shielding throughout the current lockdown.

In addition, residents new to shielding who have not already been offered the Covid-19 vaccination will now be prioritised to receive a vaccine as part of the current vaccination cohorts.

Age UK and Volunteer Cornwall can help transport vulnerable residents who do not have their own transportation to their vaccination appointment.

Cornwall Council is working with partners in the?health and?voluntary sector to?continue to?support?all clinically extremely?vulnerable residents in accessing food,?essential supplies?and wellbeing?advice?during the lockdown. ???

Sally Hawken, Cornwall’s cabinet member for?children, wellbeing and public health, said: “If you have just been added to the shielding list you may be wondering why you have only now been identified as being especially vulnerable to Covid-19. Scientists now understand a lot more about how the virus affects people and new research commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer has recently enabled health professionals to identify people who may be at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from Coronavirus, because of a combination of their individual characteristics and their underlying health conditions.

“Most importantly, this new research helps clinicians provide vaccination more quickly to those identified as clinically extremely?vulnerable and ensure they can benefit from additional advice and support.”

Dr Iain Chorlton, GP and chairman of NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The clinically extremely vulnerable group includes those previously told to shield because of reduced immune systems, such as due to organ transplants, or those with specific cancers or severe respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease (stage 5), those undergoing dialysis, and adults with Down’s Syndrome, but it also takes into account a variety of factors including age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), other health conditions and also postcode.

“People who are within the clinically extremely vulnerable group will have received a letter previously or should expect one to arrive shortly.

“It is really important that when a person within the expanded clinically extremely vulnerable group is invited to book an appointment for their Covid-19 vaccination by their GP or through the national booking service that they do so and attend.”

Rob Rotchell, Cornwall’s cabinet member for?adults, said: “Whether you have been shielding before or have just been asked to start shielding, please be assured that together with NHS Kernow and Volunteer Cornwall we are continuing?to support our vulnerable adults who have had their lives affected so seriously by the pandemic.??

“Please do get in touch with us if you need help with food, prescriptions or if you are feeling anxious?and needing mental health support, and we will do all we can to help.”??

Ian Jones, Chief Executive of Volunteer Cornwall,?said “One of the most heart-warming things about the last 12 months is the way that communities have reached out and thrown their arms around their most vulnerable members. People have shown they are willing to offer one of their most precious assets, their time, to help others in need and that gives me great hope for the future.”

All clinically extremely vulnerable residents have now been advised to stay at home until March 31.

They have been asked to work from home if possible and?if?they?cannot work from home, they should not attend work. They may be eligible for?Statutory Sick Pay, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or furlough through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.?

Those shielding are also asked to avoid?all non-essential travel – they should continue to travel to hospital and GP appointments unless told otherwise by their doctor. They are strongly advised not to go to any shops or to pharmacies.??

Those?in the clinically extremely vulnerable group are eligible?for free medicines delivery from community pharmacies?during this?period?if friends and family are not able to collect prescriptions or medicines?on their behalf. Prescriptions?should continue to be ordered?from?the?GP as normal,?either electronically or via telephone.??

Supermarkets are continuing to provide priority delivery slots to vulnerable individuals?and?if?residents need help getting online, for example to register for an online supermarket account,?they?can?ring?Cornwall Council’s support line for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable?on 0300 1234334?or contact?Volunteer Cornwall.???

Volunteer Cornwall can also help?collect and deliver food shopping and medical prescriptions,?as well as?provide?befriending support and volunteers who can?help with other low level needs.

Emergency food support?is?available at foodbanks throughout Cornwall.?An interactive?Help with Food map?has?been?created in partnership with community organisations and is online?at Let’s Talk Cornwall?https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/help-with-food.?

Health services remain available?and residents?with a complex need or medical question should contact their GP or health consultant.???

Anyone?who?may be?worried about their own or someone else's mental health?can?contact 0800 038 5300 for help and support.???

Here is the updated?guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.??

For more information or advice contact?Cornwall Council on?covid19@cornwall.gov.uk?or ring 0300 1234334.??

You can also contact Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email?requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk??

Story posted on February 18, 2021