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 remains a serious health risk. It’s important to stay cautious and help protect yourself and others. Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
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.
Getting help with daily activities outside your home during coronavirus – If you have a disability or are more vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), this guidance outlines some voluntary extra steps that you and those helping you can take to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19.
Government advice letters
If you or your child have been identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable, you will previously have received a letter from the NHS or from your GP telling you this. You may also have been advised to shield in the past.
Shielding advice was paused on 1 April 2021. If you need additional care and support to help you stay safe and well, you can find out more here.
August 2021: Copy of COVID-19 letter regarding clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people
Getting help and support
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
Getting help with daily activities outside your home during coronavirus
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
COVID-19 vaccination: for people with a weakened immune system – Information on the third dose for people with a weakened immune system.
Useful national and local links
Coronavirus – our affected services
Coronavirus – Mental and emotional health information
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