Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he will take to protect vulnerable people, who are not confident in coming out of their homes, once covid-19 public health restrictions lifted.

The shielding programme ended on 15 September 2021. People previously considered as clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to follow general guidance, while considering extra precautions to reduce their risk of infection.

Updated public health advice was issued on 24 December 2021 for people who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable, which is available at the following link:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 is also available at the following link:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

The NHS Volunteer Responders programme is available to offer short-term help by providing telephone support, help with collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies.