THE NHS recently sent out communications to those who are critically vulnerable to be shielded, urging them to self-isolate for 12 weeks, during the Coronavirus pandemic.

If you have received one of these letters, you are entitled to receive further support throughout the outbreak. But in order for the Government to know you need help you must register.

The only way to receive the further support is to register. You can do this in two ways:

Go online, or ask someone you trust to go online for you. visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.

Or if you prefer to use a telephone you can call 0800 0288327. This is an automated service and you’ll need to answer yes or no to a number of questions.

It is particularly important that you register if you are not being supported by friends and family, so that we can ensure you urgently receive the support you are entitled to.

The support has already started for those already registered here in Worcestershire; over 100 elderly and highly vulnerable residents across the county, received parcels delivered to their homes, filled with essential food. The boxes contain basic provisions designed to be a stop gap measure.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Worcestershire’s director of public health, said: “If you received a letter from the NHS, telling you to self isolate for 12 weeks, it is crucially important that you complete the registration online or call the dedicated helpline. You have been classed as critically vulnerable and this is the only way we can ensure that you will receive the support you are entitled to.

“Please if you know someone who received this letter, advise them to register so we can ensure they are supported. You are able to register online on behalf of your family and friends, if they are unable to, so please help us ensure that everyone is registered. Our top priority is ensuring our residents stay safe and well and to support our local communities, and we are working hard, doing all we can to make sure this happens.”

Dr Carl Ellson, strategic clinical lead for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCGs, said: “It is important for everyone who has received the letter and classed as critically vulnerable to register, even if it is to report that everything is okay so that the service can focus on caring for others.

“The service can help with food, essential supplies and extra care when needed, therefore it is important to register if you don’t have friends and family members supporting you in order to be contacted throughout the outbreak.”