​Protecting people more at risk from coronavirus

Thousands of residents are receiving a letter from Bury Council reminding them that help is here for those affected by the latest coronavirus lockdown.

It comes in the wake of the Government’s advice to those who were previously classed as shielded but are now referred to as clinically extremely vulnerable. This urges them to continue to maintain strict social distancing, wash their hands regularly, work from home and avoid non-essential travel.

The council’s letter gives information about the preferential shopping arrangements that many supermarkets have put in place for people who were previously shielding.

It also has details of the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme which can help collect and deliver shopping, prescriptions and other essential items: their Freephone number is 0808 196 3646.

Local help is at hand if you don’t have anyone to turn to.

Bury Council is still here to help with essential food and supplies or for any worries or concerns about money or your wellbeing. Give us a call if you need:

• Help with registering online for support.
• Help with registering for priority supermarket delivery slots.
• Advice about how to get online.
• Advice about money, debt and welfare benefits.
• Support because you are feeling anxious or low or just need reassurance and a friendly chat or catch-up.

To access essential help:

• Phone Bury Council’s Covid Helpline: 0161 235 5353 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
• We will put you in touch with local people and local organisations who can help, such as volunteers, Citizens Advice and Age UK.

GP practices are open, offering phone and online consultations, bit also face-to-face appointments for those who need them – including at weekends and in the evening.If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, NHS 111 can help: visit 111.nhs.uk or phone 111.

Councillor David Jones, cabinet member for communities and emergency planning, said: “It’s vital that we continue to keep the most vulnerable people in our community safe. We are here to help, along with hundreds of volunteers and those in our Community Hubs who have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic. If you need support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.”

For the latest coronavirus information, see the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus or listen to recorded advice on 0161 253 5514.

If you wish to receive regular email updates, sign up at www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus-keepinformed

ENDS

Press release issued: 16 November 2020.