VULNERABLE people who are shielding from the coronavirus are urged to get priority food delivery slots this month.

The government have announced that after July 31, their food parcels will no longer be delivered to the most vulnerable, and those shielding will need to either make alternative arrangements or visit the shops to buy groceries.

Ian Gilbert, leader of Southend Council said: “Registering as a clinically extremely vulnerable person will ensure you have access to priority slots from the major supermarkets.

"I urge anyone who has been receiving central Government food parcels to go online and do this if they have not already done so.

"You can register for yourself, or on behalf of someone else.

"It takes a couple of minutes and will ensure you’re set up for August and beyond when the Government’s food deliveries will end.

"Please check on shielded family, friends and neighbours and make sure they’ve registered.

“We will still be here if anyone urgently needs help, but in the meantime please make sure you have set yourself up to be able to shop online if you can."

For more information about the help available visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.