AS “FREEDOM Day” approaches with all Covid-19 measures set to be lifted for many across the country, thousands of vulnerable people are being urged to continue limiting social contact, shielding and using face masks.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people who were told to shield from March last year until just a few months ago – have been issued new guidance ahead of “Freedom Day” on Monday which includes avoiding the unvaccinated and continuing to meet people outside.

NHS Digital figures revealed by RADAR show 6,895 patients in Carlisle were classed as extremely clinically vulnerable and therefore asked not to meet others indoors.

Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services has encouraged the public to do what feels right to them.

She said: “I think it’s good advice I think anybody that is vulnerable should still do what is right for them, if they want to carry on shielding and wearing masks they should.”

Cases are rising significantly across the country with Carlisle and Allerdale seeing infection rates above the national average.

Councillor Earl said: “It’s a really difficult situation, businesses are being affected I just think people have got to do what’s right for them if people still feel they’re vulnerable.”

Steven McIntosh, executive director of advocacy and communications at Macmillan Cancer Support, said many people with cancer were “desperately worried” about how they will stay safe.

The Office for National Statistics has said that 29 per cent of vulnerable people are continuing to isolate.

Of those surveyed, 37 per cent reported feeling comfortable or very comfortable going to hospitality, cultural or educational settings, compared with 70 per cent going to a hospital or GP surgery.

The most common reason NHS patients in Carlisle have been classed as clinically vulnerable is because they were identified by an Oxford University tool which assesses multiple factors to determine whether someone is at risk should they catch Covid.