Leeds Council issues advice to more than 45,000 people on first day of shielding pause

In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland the shielding guidance is being paused on Saturday August 1, and in Wales, it is being paused on Sunday August 16.

From August, the government will pause shielding unless the transmission of COVID-19 in the community rises.

For those who have been shielding, there is now new advice from the government

People who have been shielding can go to work, as long as the workplace is COVID-secure – but carry on working from home if you can.

Children who are clinically extremely vulnerable can go back to school alongside the rest of their classmates.

People can now start to go out to buy food, exercise and visit places of worship while following two metre guidelines.

In a tweet, Leeds Council said: "Tomorrow marks the first day that people who've been shielding at home can return to more of community life. There are around 45,000 people in Leeds that have been advised to shield, meaning they are at the highest risk of serious harm from contracting.

"We're urging all residents to work together to keep them, and everybody else, safe by following the latest advice.

"Please wash your hands regularly, wear face coverings when out in public and give people distance wherever possible.

"Only by following such measures can we protect those particularly at risk.

"Many who've been shielding are worried about returning to community life, but we can all do our bit to keep them safe."

On their website, Leeds Council said 'we will monitor what is happening nationally and locally. We will make changes to help keep you safe if there is a local spike in cases'.

Free food parcels, medicine deliveries and care from the National Shielding Service will stop due to the pause.

However, Leeds Council said you will still be eligible for priority supermarket slots (if you registered by 17 July).

A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins