I have emailed the following letter to Dame Eleanor Laing asking for her help when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Dear Dame Eleanor

In 2020 about two million of us were classified as extremely clinically vulnerable to infection by Covid-19 virus.

We entered months of ‘shielding’ - for a time staying entirely within four walls and throughout having the least possible contact with other people.

As compensation we received much attention from on high - letters from the former Health Secretary (signed ‘Matt’); and food parcels (‘Boris boxes’) appearing unexpectedly on our doorsteps. We felt lonely, yes, but cared for.

In June this year shielding was ‘paused’. We clinically extremely vulnerable people were told to follow the rules in place for everyone - but also to take extra precautions to protect ourselves.

On July 19 it seems the rules in place may be lifted, even though levels of infection by the Delta variant are rising.

There will be widespread rejoicing and close, mask-free encounters everywhere.

We can continue to wear our masks of course - but masks protect others more than the wearer. What extra precautions, if any, can we ECVs now take to protect ourselves ?

Most of us will have had two doses of vaccine and we are told that the risk of serious infection is now low - but not zero. Also, doctors suggest that the links between infection, hospitalisation and death have been broken.

That makes so much difference and everyone hopes it is so. But is it true also for former ‘shielders’, who if infected are presumably still ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ ?

The oracles are silent.

Last year we felt lonely, but ‘cared for’ - now, we are bewildered.

I would be very grateful if you could raise this matter with the Prime Minister and/or the new Secretary of State.

Dorothy Paddon

Forest View Road, Loughton