Plaid calls for urgent update on guidance for those in shielding category

People expected to shield until end of June – but there’s been no update in the guidance

Plaid Cymru MS and Shadow Local Government Minister Delyth Jewell has called for further guidance for those shielding to be published as a matter of urgency.

Those who are most at risk of coronavirus have been advised by Welsh Government guidance to shield until the 15th of June but there has been no updated guidance for action beyond that time.

The First Minister is expected to announce the results of the three-week lockdown review next week.

Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell MS said there had already been “too much confusion” around shielding guidance and referred to the two instances where thousands of shielding letters were incorrectly sent to the wrong addresses.

Ms Jewell said that with lockdown review approaching, those shielding should be given updated guidance as a matter of urgency.

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Local Government Delyth Jewell MS said,

“There has already been far too much confusion around shielding guidance and criteria. The Welsh Government must make sure it is transparent and that it communicates the updated guidance properly and urgently, including being clear on who the guidance is aimed at.

“Incorrectly sending thousands of letters to the wrong addresses, and sending further letters to people who did not need to be shielding is totally unacceptable. Correct and current informational is an absolute necessity if the Welsh Government wishes for people to have confidence in them, and keep up to date with guidance.

“Those who are the most vulnerable to coronavirus are already living in difficult and constrictive circumstances. The strategy for easing lockdown doesn’t say anything about those shielding – who will understandably be feeling anxious about the prospect of a second wave or having to spend all year at home.

“The least the Welsh Government can do is make sure they are aware of decisions which have major implications on their lives.

Update on 26th of May 2020: This article was amended to specify that the Welsh Government had advised people to shield until the 15th of June (rather than the end of June). We apologise for any confusion caused.