VULNERABLE people who have been shielding since lockdown will now be allowed outside – but some say they feel unsafe.

The Government announced at the weekend that the high risk group can see one other person from another household outside, while maintaining social distancing at all times, but some who have been shielding have said they will not be venturing outside just yet.

Many have not yet received texts or letters from the Government or the NHS updating them on whether this period is over, and are taking it into their own hands.

Jill Allen-King, 80, whose husband Alvin has been allowed out, told the Echo the couple will largely be remaining at home.

Mr and Mrs Allen-King, from Westcliff, are both blind and Jill has said they will have difficulty maintaining the two-metre distance and keeping her guide dog away from passers by.

She said: “We’ve been walking Jagger round the block twice a day, and we will still only do that.

“Alvin’s shop, Music King, will remain closed at the moment.

“We still won’t be able to go shopping because we can’t see our distance. We’re usually so independent, it’s been really tough.

“The Government haven’t considered blind people. We think Alvin was only shielding because he has had a corneograph before, which classes as a transplant.”

Graham Bishop, from Leigh, who was shielding due to age and a lung condition, said: “I still won’t be going shopping and returning to normal.

“There were too many people out yesterday anyway. I miss my friends but we’re always ringing each other.”

Shelley Simmonds, from Billericay, whose son Fraser, seven, lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, told the Echo they would not be going outside, even if the family received a text. She said: “There’s a lot of confusion for those who are vulnerable.”

Kerry Shippey, whose 12-year-old son George also has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, said: “We haven’t had a text, but our initial letter about shielding was a month late.

“We’ve gradually started taking him for walks in very quiet places around Billericay and at very quiet times. He’s been so scared to go out. He says he doesn’t want to die if he catches the virus.”