Vulnerable urged to take extra care as Covid measures relax

Residents who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) are being encouraged to remain vigilant after Covid-19 measures were relaxed this week.

It comes as case numbers continue to rise in Wolverhampton, with figures showing 1,170 people tested positive for the virus in the last seven days.

People who are clinically extremely vulnerable are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they were to catch coronavirus and so are being strongly advised to take additional precautions to keep themselves safe.

These include making sure they have had both doses of the life-saving Covid-19 vaccine and waiting for two weeks following their second jab before meeting up in close contact with others so that the vaccination can give them maximum protection against Covid-19.

They are also advised to avoid close contact with others in high risk settings such as crowded areas, indoor places with poor ventilation and public transport, and at times when Covid-19 infection levels are particularly high. Instead, try to meet outside so that any particles containing the virus can be more easily blown away, and shop at quieter times if possible.

While the work from home order has also been lifted, employers still have a legal responsibility to protect their employees and should be able to explain the measures they have in place to keep clinically extremely vulnerable staff members safe while at work.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "If you are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable you are unfortunately at greater risk from Covid-19.

“While I urge you not to be unduly concerned about the changes that have happened this week, you should think carefully about what you feel comfortable about doing now that the restrictions have been lifted.

"For instance, if you want to meet up with others there is no harm in you and your friends agreeing to continue to wear face coverings and social distance from one another, or for you to ask them to get a free rapid Covid-19 test beforehand so that you can be reassured they don't have the virus.

"You can help to stay safe by shopping at quieter times or getting items delivered to your home and by avoiding crowded places and busy public transport routes.

"With Covid-19 cases continuing to rise, we’re encouraging everyone in Wolverhampton to help keep infections down by doing the right things to protect themselves and others, such as wearing face coverings on public transport or in other indoor spaces. This is a simple step to take which will not only help to stop the spread of Covid-19 but also make everyone, including people who are more vulnerable, feel that little bit safer."

The Government website has further guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable available at https://bit.ly/2U1w90n while the council's Stay Safe Be Kind webpages offer clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/stay-safe-be-kind.

Latest figures show there were 445 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last seven days. That means 1,170 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.