Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ83096

We recognise that some people will be anxious as Covid restrictions ease and work is ongoing across government to support those people.

For the clinically extremely vulnerable, the impact of isolation was recognised early in the pandemic as a potential harm caused by the advice to shield. In recognition of this, the Chief Medical Officer has recommended the minimum level of restrictions required to protect this vulnerable group. This included advice on outdoor exercise and the maintenance of support bubble arrangements. We have continued to provide advice on how to minimise risk as more restrictions have been lifted through regular communications from the Chief Medical Officer. These communications have also included details on sources of support for those who are feeling anxious or low in confidence.

To further reassure people, we have retained the obligation on those responsible for public buildings to both minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus on the premises. This obligation also covers those responsible for community centres where risk assessments are required to cover all indoor or outdoor activities.

We are making good progress on implementing ‘Connected Communities’ our loneliness and social isolation strategy. Working with stakeholders through our advisory group and across government we are considering a number of measures to address these issues. These include improving access to preventative and/or one-to-one support; helping people to build confidence and resilience to re-engage; consideration of the longer term impacts of the pandemic on loneliness and isolation; and identifying gaps in support. We are also promoting examples of what has worked well through this strategy. This work is also supported by actions in the Together for Mental Health Delivery Plan 2019-22 which was refreshed to improve access to mental health support and take into account the impact that Covid-19 has had on the mental health and well-being of the population.