Get help
If you can’t find the help you need on our website, or your need is more urgent, please phone the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline on: 0300 790 6275
The helpline is available from 8am to 6pm every day, including weekends.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can contact us using SMS text: 07781 482858
Latest government guidance
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place across the country, including for those who have been vaccinated. – Find out what you can and cannot do.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you are no longer advised to shield. However, you should continue to follow the guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and are advised to take additional precautions to protect yourself. It is important that you continue to keep the number of social interactions that you have low and try to limit the amount of time you spend in settings where you are unable to maintain social distancing.
Government advice letters
If you or your child has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable, you will have received a letter from the government addressed personally to you.
This letter is to let you know about the guidance that is in place for clinically extremely vulnerable people during Coronavirus. You can find a copy of all letters for reference only below.
Letter with guidance on changes from 1 April 2021
The government issued a letter to all people on the Shielded Patient List. This contains new guidance that takes effect from 1 April 2021.
Letters sent out on 17 March 2021
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people – Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people – Reference-only version of letter from the government to children and young people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
COVID-19: letter to people identified as high risk aged 70 and over – Reference-only version of letter to people identified as high risk by COVID-19 population risk assessment model, aged 70 and over.
COVID-19: letter to people identified as high risk aged 19 to 69 – Reference-only version of letter to people identified as high risk by COVID-19 population risk assessment model, aged 19 to 69.
Getting help and support
The GOV.UK online registration service is now closed. If you have already got priority access to supermarket deliveries, these will continue until 21 June 2021.
If you have an urgent need, contact the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline 0300 790 6275
Accessing food and essential supplies – How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.
Getting help with daily activities outside your home during coronavirus
NHS services
Please remember that the NHS is open, and we urge you to continue to access all the NHS services that you need. It is safer for you to use the NHS than to try to manage alone.
If you are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on your health, speak to your GP, hospital clinician or use NHS111.
People at higher risk from Coronavirus – NHS advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Chat to Connect Service
Do you want to meet new people in a similar position to you, with shared interests? We know it’s good to talk and share experiences. Community Council for Somerset (CCS) can connect you with another person who is on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list to keep your spirits up – you are not alone.
You can find out more on the Community Council for Somerset website
Useful links
Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Making a support bubble with another household – How you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
NHS – What you can do if you are feeling lonely during the coronavirus outbreak
Vitamin D supplementation during winter: Statement from Public Health England (PHE) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Somerset County Council
Somerset’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
Useful national and local links