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<p>The Government is working to ensure that up to 1.5 million people in England identified
by the NHS as being at higher risk of severe illness if they contract Coronavirus
have access to the food they need. The Government continues to contact this cohort
of shielded individuals and ask them to register via the online NHS webportal or via
the phone if they need help accessing food.</p><p> </p><p>In partnership with industry,
the Government started to deliver Shielding Packages in late March, to those that
are clinically extremely vulnerable and have requested this support These packages
consist of essential supplies and food. Supermarkets are also prioritising online
delivery slots for those that are most in need and have expanded their capacity for
home deliveries.</p><p> </p><p>We are also working quickly to support people who do
not fall into the category of being clinically extremely vulnerable, but still need
help getting essential food supplies. This includes those who are elderly, disabled
or have health conditions that make it difficult for them to get the food they need.
We are speaking to food retailers, delivery organisations and volunteer groups to
help prioritise those individuals to access essential food. Wherever possible, people
should continue to rely on friends, family and wider community support.</p><p> </p><p>Over
750,000 people across England signed up as NHS Volunteer Responders via the mobile
app GoodSam. Over 600,000 volunteers have been verified as NHS Volunteer Responders
via the Good Sam platform, and can now receive tasks to help those in their communities,
including through shopping for vulnerable people for food and essential supplies.</p>
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