Clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) people have health conditions which mean they could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
All remaining COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in England on 19 July 2021, including those that applied to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
If you're clinically extremely vulnerable this change may have come as a great relief, enabling you to socialise and resume the activities you were doing before COVID-19. However, it may also have created anxiety, causing you to worry about your health and the impact of catching COVID-19.
We want to help you keep safe and support you in reconnecting with life, even if things are not the same as they were before.
We are continuing to offer people who are clinically extremely vulnerable all of the services provided during the shielding and lockdown periods. We are here to help if you need it.
You can find out more about the support available on this page or by calling us on 0344 800 8020 - select option 1, then option 4.
Read the current Government guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people.
Vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19. If you are eligible and haven't already been vaccinated, please book a vaccination.
If you have received your first dose, you should still make sure you receive your second dose - this should increase your level of protection.
Read more about getting your COVID-19 vaccination.
As someone who is at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if you catch COVID-19, you might want to think carefully about taking additional precautions. This could include:
If you're concerned about your wellbeing because of COVID-19, there is advice for people who are at high risk on the NHS website.
If you're still concerned after reading that advice, or have further questions, contact your GP or clinician. They will be able to provide you with your advice that is specific to your condition.
Separate Government guidance has been issued on how employers can make workplaces COVID-safe. For more information see Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also published guidance on protecting vulnerable workers. If you need support to work at home or in the workplace, you can apply for Access to Work. More information is available on the HSE website: go to Protect vulnerable workers - Working safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) has been extended until 30 September. You may continue to be eligible throughout this period, providing your employer agrees. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has also been extended until 30 September.
Download PDF document: Useful information for CEV workers and their employers.
If you need help with food, medicines, social isolation or loneliness or just general support, our helplines remain open. Contact us on 0344 8008020 - select option 1, then option 4.
Find out about and get access to the different types of help available, including help accessing food.
Many supermarkets have now stopped offering priority delivery slots for clinically extremely vulnerable people. If your chosen supermarket(s) choose to extend this offer to you, they will contact you directly.
You can continue to book deliveries even if your supermarket no longer offers priority access. You will just need to make sure you book your slots in advance as much as possible, so you can get regular slots.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable delivery slot, there may be greater availability of click and collect slots. You could consider booking one of these and then:
If you do go to the shops yourself, you might want to visit during opening hours targeted at vulnerable customers, or shop at less busy times. You can choose to wear a face covering when shopping.
