LGA responds to Health Foundation report on impact of pandemic on shielding population

Responding to a Health Foundation report about the lasting impact of the pandemic on those asked to shield, including significant unmet health need and worsening mental health among this group, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities has been councils’ number one priority throughout the pandemic.

“This included supporting those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and needed to be shielded through ensuring access to food, tackling loneliness and meeting any social care needs.

“This work did not stop when the shielding programme formally ended in March. Councils recognise the specific needs and understandable anxieties that many of those who previously shielded have and are continuing to work with local partners to provide tailored support to those who need it.

“Improving the accuracy of data and the ease with which it can be shared at critical times, such as during a pandemic, is vital to supporting any future work of this nature and should be a priority.”