SHIELDING advice is tighter for those who are clinical extremely vulnerable to coronavirus in tier three areas.

As tier three restrictions have been introduced in Lancashire today, people who are vulnerable to coronavirus are being asked to follow stricter shielding advice.

The government have said that they may advise more restrictive formal shielding measures for the clinically extremely vulnerable in the worst affected very high alert areas, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer.

The advice for those in a tier three lockdown area are similar to those which were set in March, but there are some more leniencies in certain areas including outdoor exercise.

In tier three, people who are extremely vulnerable are being urged to go outside for exercise, but to avoid busy areas to minimise the chance of coming into close contact with others.

Otherwise, the government are advising that people stay at home as much as possible and avoid all but essential travel.

They are being urged to work from home if possible, but children can still go to school and adults can go to work if they are unable to work from home.

Shopping trips should be significantly reduced by using online delivery or asking people in your household, support bubble or volunteers to collect food and medicines if possible.

The government have recognised that a small number of individuals may require additional support to follow the guidance at this alert level, and they are advised to contact their local authority if they need assistance.

Chief Executive of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, Vicky Shepherd said: "Shielding has had a major and long lasting impact on many older people including those living with dementia within Blackburn with Darwen both in terms of reduced mobility and physical health and mental deterioration due to loneliness and isolation.

"Many older people have not seen close relatives and friends for six months and with the prospect of continued restrictions throughout winter this is resulting in some older people feeling increasingly anxious, lonely and cut off from society.

"Age UK Blackburn with Darwen have worked throughout the pandemic offering practical support such as emergency shopping & prescription collection.

"We have made just under 13,000 wellbeing calls over the last 6 months to the most vulnerable older people and are still making over 300 calls weekly.

"We have also been supporting people with telephone advice and information, one to one help to access technology and get online. In addition we offer a range of online social groups, and some face to face activity sessions such as walks."

Although people are not being officially forced to start shielding, Age UK Blackburn with Darwen are urging people who may have never spoken to them before to contact them if they need assistance following the introduction of new measures.