Social care staff at Rutland County Council will be helping out with the relief efforts aimed at the extremely vulnerable, who need 'shielding' from the Coronavirus pandemic.

Council Leader Oliver Hemsley has detailed how the county council is working with others, including setting up a 'hub' to co-ordinate such activity.

Coun Hemsley said: "We have done a huge amount of planning and preparation since the government announced, earlier this month, that it intends to shield some 1.5 million people in England who have a serious health condition that puts them at high risk from COVID-19.

"Under these measures, anyone deemed to be 'extremely vulnerable' is being contacted by the NHS and advised to stay at home, at all times, and avoid face to face contact for at least 12 weeks - except for contact with essential carers and health workers.

"Rutland County Council will play a critical role in making sure our shielded residents with no other source of support get access to food and medicines, as well as means of combating loneliness and social isolation.

"In response, we have moved quickly to establish a Rutland hub and create a local network of trusted and verified suppliers, who will be undertaking deliveries to shielded people, starting this week. These deliveries will be supported by the Council's own social care teams to make sure anyone being shielded over this extended period has their wider needs met, in addition to the basic provision of food.

"We will also be continuing to support the many volunteer groups and good neighbour schemes that are working to help individuals and families who are self-isolating or staying at home, in line with government advice. Thank you to everyone involved in these efforts.

"By working together in this way, we will make sure everyone in our communities has access to the support they need, for as long as they need it."

More information and guidance about Coronavirus can be found on the Rutland Council website: www.rutland.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling: 01572 722 577.