Over 4,000 more people told to shield in Cornwall due to coronavirus
Cornwall Council is urging those who have been identified to take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine
Last updated 19th Feb 2021
Cornwall Council has revealed that 4,332 people in Cornwall have been added to the list of those who need to be shielding.
Earlier this week the Government identified 1.7 million people across the country who they considered should be shielding during the coronavirus pandemic.
Today the council urged those who had been identified in Cornwall to take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine and said that support is available if required.
Sally Hawken, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for public protection, said that people should not be alarmed if they receive a letter advising them to shield.
She explained that some of those who had been identified in the new group may not consider that they need to shield.
Cllr Hawken said that the latest group had been identified for a number of reasons which could include their BMI and if they live in a deprived area.
She said: "It isn’t to panic people but to make sure they are bumped up the vaccination priority list and get their jab as soon as possible".
Cllr Hawken said that anybody who was unsure as to why they had been sent a letter should contact their GP.
But she added: "We strongly urge them to take up the offer of a vaccine as soon as possible".
Cornwall Council said there were already around 31,000 people in Cornwall who were shielding and that there was a network of support being provided by the council and the voluntary sector.
This support includes helping people unable to get their shopping, pick up prescriptions or just as a contact to ensure they are not isolated.
Anyone who is shielding who needs support is asked to contact the council on 0300 123 1118.
Dr Ruth Goldstein from public health at Cornwall Council said that the government’s decision to identify more people who should shield was "positive".
She said that there had been research being undertaken throughout the pandemic which had informed the decision to get more people to shield.
Dr Goldstein said that those people identified were "susceptible to coronaviruses" and it was being done to keep them safe.
She said: "For some people it will come as a real shock, they will wonder how they have managed to survive the last nine months, but it is probably because they have done all the right things and stayed safe.
"It is not something to be alarmed about but it is an opportunity to think about if you need to make any lifestyle changes".
Dr Ruth Goldstein, Public Health at Cornwall Council