More freedom for people shielding in Surrey as government guidance ends
People can now take fewer precautions as case numbers drop
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
Millions of people in England and Wales now have a little bit more freedom as shielding comes to an end.
From today (1st April), the extremely clinically vulnerable, including cancer patients having chemotherapy and stem cell transplant recipients, should follow the same rules as the rest of the population.
A letter sent to the group said shielding has been paused due to falling virus infection rates, but it still urged the most vulnerable to keep social contacts to a minimum and to stay at a distance from other people.
Norma Wansborough, is 92-years-old and from Surrey, she has been shielding since last year due to her age.
She's had support from Age UK Surrey through their Help at Home scheme.
Norma told Greatest Hits Radio what the last year has been like for her:
" In the house I have help from Age UK, I have a gardener too.
"I have a splendid neighbour - when he does his Sainsbury's shopping he does it for me too every week.
Shielding ending means Norma can now take fewer precautions.
She told us what she's looking forward to:
"I'm just going to continue doing all the things I usually do and if there are any opportunities to go out I will.
"Just looking forward to going further afield in the future.
"I have a very lovely neighbour and when the weather's good we can meet in the open air in the garden."
Age UK Surrey regularly check up on Norma and will continue to provide her with support.
Meanwhile, Guildford Borough Council's Managing Director James Whiteman says they are still offering support to those in need:
“We know it has been a very difficult year for many of our residents, especially those who have been shielding. Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic we have supported many of these residents. We have delivered over 50,900 hot meals, nearly 6,400 grocery packs and made 37,320 telephone calls to check our most vulnerable residents are ok.
“We continue to work with partners across Surrey and with the Local Resilience Forum to provide our residents with food, prescriptions and wellbeing support.
“We hope now restrictions have eased that all of our residents will be able to start meeting friends and family outdoors and visit our open spaces and sporting facilities again. Looking after our mental and physical wellbeing has become even more important during the pandemic. We have nine award-winning parks and green spaces, nearly 700ha of countryside and 66 playgrounds for residents to enjoy exercise and relaxation.
“If you or anyone you know needs support, please visit: www.guildford.gov.uk/article/23879/Self-isolation-help-and-support.
!Our helpline will be closed from over the Easter bank holiday weekend. If you need help during this time, please visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/emergency-planning-and-community-safety/coronavirus/need-help.”