Asthma UK & British Lung Foundation Wales have today called for clarity around what additional support will be made available to those shielding (classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable).

People in the CEV category include those who were asked to shield during the first major lockdown back in March. At the time, being asked to shield enabled people to access a range of support – including priority grocery delivery slots, prescription deliveries, and exemption from work letters.

Yesterday, the Welsh Government announced that they were revising the advice for people in the CEV category and would be advising to stay at home and not go to work. However, they were clear that this did not amount to a full return to shielding.

In response, Asthma UK & British Lung Foundation Wales have called for urgent clarity around what additional support is being put in place to support vulnerable people while the advice remains to stay at home.

Their calls have been echoed by opposition politicians in the Senedd, who have also called for a greater package of support for those in the CEV category to be put in place immediately.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK & British Lung Foundation Wales, said:

“While we welcome the new announcement by the Welsh Government yesterday, many questions still remain.

“Allowing people to stay at home, and not go to work, is a good start but is not a silver bullet solution. The people being advised to do so are some of the most vulnerable people in our society – with Covid-19 being even more dangerous for them.

“They need a full and comprehensive package of support measures, including access to priority shopping and financial support to compensate for lost earnings. Without this, many will be left at home completely isolated from the world.

“We can and must do more to support those who are acutely at risk during this pandemic. I hope the Welsh Government will take this onboard and swiftly announce additional support, to provide people with security and reassurance as we enter this strict winter lockdown.”

Commenting on the announcement Andrew RT Davies MS, Welsh Conservative Health Spokespeople, said yesterday: “I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has thought about the most at risk in our communities however, today’s announcement does not go far enough.

“What this pandemic has shown is that half measures are not good enough, especially when there are reports today that Wales has the highest rate of Covid-19 infections per 100,000 people in the World.

“The Welsh Government needs to deliver robust financial, physical and emotional support to those who would have to shield. We must not forget this vital section of our community as we head into the slimmed down festive season.”