More Carmarthenshire residents on shielding list

More residents in Carmarthenshire who have been asked to take shielding measures will receive a letter with information and advice from the council.

People with serious underlying health conditions, which put them at high risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus (COVID-19) are being advised to stay at home to keep safe.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales has sent out a further 21,000 letters to high risk patients across Wales setting out the steps they should take to protect their health.

In line with the initial 12 week shielding advice issued in late March, the latest letters advise people to shield until at least June 15. This means reducing contact with other people as far as possible to reduce the risk of being exposed to coronavirus.

In Carmarthenshire, an additional 2,776 extremely vulnerable people have been added to the shielding list.

As well as receiving a letter from the Chief Medical Officer, residents in Carmarthenshire also receive a letter from Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole providing local information and support.

The council has been working hard to put arrangements in place to make sure help is available locally for people who are shielding.

Llesiant Delta Wellbeing, formerly Carmarthenshire Council’s Careline service, has conducted approximately 5,000 calls to residents to ensure they have everything they need to stay safe during these difficult times.

Through the pro-active calls the team ensures people are getting their shopping essentials, prescriptions and also checking on their general welfare, providing peace of mind for loved ones and their families.

The council can arrange for food parcels to be delivered if needed, and it is working with community pharmacies to help supply and organise delivery of medicines where required. It is also in touch with a number of voluntary groups who can provide care and support for those who might be feeling very isolated.

Council Leader Emlyn Dole said: “We are sending letters to everyone in Carmarthenshire on the shielding list to make sure they understand what they have to do and most importantly that we are here to offer help and support; we can arrange food parcels and delivery of medicines if they need it.

“Staff from Delta Wellbeing have also been calling residents to make sure they are managing okay, and we have had an amazing response from those we have contacted with many being reassured by the calls.

“I am sure hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the phone was much appreciated. For some residents it may be the only contact they have had, and it can make a world of difference to someone, especially during times like these.”

Telephone lines are open seven days a week between 8.30am and 6pm, please call 01267 234567.

Further information on shielding