The number of people shielding in Argyll and Bute has increased by nearly half since lockdown measures began, a report has revealed.
More than 3,000 people in the council area are going through the process of shielding, which was recently extended by the Scottish Government until the end of July.
And a document to go before the council’s business continuity committee has stated that the figure is an increase of around 1,000 on the initial number.
It is not known how the figure of 3,179 breaks down through the four administrative areas of Argyll and Bute.
Members of the committee will hear of the authority’s continuing battle against Covid-19 at its meeting via Skype on Thursday.
The report, by executive director Douglas Hendry, said: “Council staff are involved in the proactive outreach calls to people who are shielding to ensure that they are able to access the support that they need.
“This includes offering access to emotional support for anyone who is struggling. There have been more than 300 requests for pharmacy assistance – with staff carrying out nearly 740 medicine deliveries.”
People who are shielding during the Covid-19 pandemic are asked by the Government to stay at home as much as they possibly can.
However, as part of phase two of the country’s route map out of lockdown, under measures introduced on June 18 they are now allowed outdoors to take exercise and to meet with one other household in a group of up to eight, maintaining social distancing.
Mr Hendry’s report also revealed that approximately 7,500 calls have been received by the council’s helpline set up to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak.
The council’s online services and information for residents and business during the pandemic have also been well-used.
Mr Hendry added: “Almost half of all calls relate to ‘care for people’ queries, with benefits and business advice also featuring.
“Out of hours and urgent call levels have dropped considerably since the helpline’s earlier stages and this reflects the reducing urgency and intensity of the overall response.
“Online web forms have been used for over 3,700 requests for support from the beginning of lockdown to the end of May.
“Again there is an evident reduction in requests accompanied by fewer coronavirus web page views – overall these resources have been viewed 220,000 times since they were first put in place prior to lockdown in March.
“Despite the recent drop in usage there have still been around 9,300 page views per week in June.”
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