That was a very helpful article by Katie Wright in your February 10 issue. She talks about the doubts and anxieties people may be having about the lifting of the Covid restrictions – the latest being no longer needing to self-isolate if testing positive.

One group she doesn’t mention are those described as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable (ECV)’ – some of whom are elderly but also younger people who are immune suppressed, following transplants or cancer treatment, or living with long-term health conditions. Although the milder illness that often results from the Omicron variant has encouraged the Government finally to lift all restrictions, it is much more transmissible and so for us oldies and vulnerables is still a challenge.

Early in the pandemic we ECVs were showered with advice and help – I had three or even four letters of advice, signed by Matt Hancock! And food parcels arriving on the doorstep every week. But sadly now we just have to make it all up as we go along – and as Katie advises in her article – be prepared to explain why we are still wearing masks and keeping our distance in crowded places.

For us this is not a political gesture (as seen during PMQs in the House of Commons) but just a personal choice to stay ‘on the safe side’ for a bit longer.

Dorothy Paddon

Loughton