Plans are being developed to help vulnerable people in Rutland who may have to shield again.

The move comes as the government has updated its national guidance for people who are at significantly increased risk from COVID-19 because of their age or a pre-existing health condition.

People who are considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 received a letter from the NHS or their GP during the earlier stages of the pandemic, advising them to shield themselves by staying indoors and limiting their contact with other people for all but essential reasons.

The government announced an end to this shielding programme in August and has indicated it will only reintroduce formal shielding in some (but not all) very high alert level areas. Rutland's local COVID alert level is currently set at Medium.

Extremely vulnerable people in very high risk areas will be contacted directly if they are to be asked to follow formal shielding advice again.

Rutland County Council is making plans in case it needs to reintroduce special support measures for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, should the alert level in the County rise to 'Very High'.

Coun Alan Walters, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "Lots of people in Rutland were told to shield during the early stages of the pandemic and may be concerned about what the new three-tier system means for them.

"Under the government's latest plans, clinically extremely vulnerable people may be advised to shield again if an area moves into third tier of the local COVID alert system. If this happens in Rutland, we will once again be on hand to provide help and support."

Coun Walters added: "It must be stressed that Rutland remains in Tier One, for now, and we are planning as a precaution, in case this changes. Even with the local alert level in Rutland at Medium, there are things that vulnerable people should be doing to reduce their risk from the virus. This includes taking extra precautions by following strict social distancing, meeting outside if possible, and keeping the number of different people they meet to a minimum."

For more information about the government's shielding guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and how this has changed, please visit: www.rutland.gov.uk/shielding.