What steps has the Welsh Government taken to ensure that people who are self-isolating in Wales can access online shopping slots on the same basis as vulnerable citizens in England and will the Minister provide an update on the latest situation?
Covid-19 poses a serious risk to people with certain medical conditions who are extremely vulnerable, a group we are referring to as shielded individuals. The Chief Medical Officer has written to advise these individuals to shield themselves at home for 12 weeks. The group receiving shielding letters is approximately 85,000 people in Wales. More information about this group can be accessed here https://gov.wales/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-people-defined-on-medical-grounds-as-extremely-vulnerable-from-coronavirus-covid-19
Where possible, shielded individuals are asked to rely on family, friends, neighbours and community networks to help them with essential supplies. Where they have no help at all, their letter advises them to contact their local authority who will help request deliveries of food parcels and provide a range of other social support.
Supermarkets have advised the Welsh Government that they are very keen to have a means to prioritise the shielding group. The Welsh Government is working with the supermarkets who offer online delivery services as a matter of urgency to facilitate these discussions.
The provision of food, medicines and other care to this shielded group is our top priority and this mirrors the UK government’s offer of support for shielded individuals in England.