Coronavirus
Shielding information

National lockdown: Stay at Home
- You must stay at home. This is the single most important action we can all take to protect the NHS and save lives.
- You must not leave your home unless necessary.
- Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or bubble.
Find out what you can and cannot do
Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
This guidance is effective from 20 December 2020.
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Essex County Council news – Tier 4 shielding advice for vulnerable residents
22 December – Essex residents who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable and living under Tier 4 restrictions, are once again being advised by the Government to shield in order to protect themselves from catching COVID-19.
NHS Volunteer Responders
NHS Volunteer Responders will continue to offer support to those who need it, including collecting and delivering food and medicines.
Essex Wellbeing Service
The Essex Wellbeing Service (previously known as Essex Welfare Service) supports people in the community and at work with a range of health, wellbeing and day to day needs.
They help people access information and support to stay healthy, safe and well from help to quit smoking, to supporting families adapt to ‘new normal’.
Accessing food and essential supplies
There are many ways for those who are shielding to get access to food and other essentials. Make use of the supermarket priority delivery slots that are available.
Voluntary Action Epping Forest support residents with food packages, medicine collection and a friendly chat during lockdown.
Health at home
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means people need to be able to access health and care services from home – you can get NHS help using your smartphone, computer or tablet.
Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you. These are all common reactions to the difficult situation we face.
Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time. It’s important that you take care of your mind as well as your body.
Work and financial support
Guidance and support on:
- Open all sections
- Getting financial support
- Help with redundancy and finding work
- Working safely
- Working from home
- Childcare
- Holiday and sick leave
Find out what support you can get if you’re affected by coronavirus
Use this service to find out what help and advice you can get from the government and other organisations. You can use it for yourself or someone else.