WITH another bank holiday on the way, people left isolated by the coronavirus pandemic are urged to be prepared.

Despite the easing of some lockdown restrictions, many people are required to remain at home and over the coming bank holiday weekend North Yorkshire County Council is once again leading a relief service for anyone who needs help with getting essentials such as shopping and prescriptions.

The authority is working with 23 community support organisations alongside partners and the voluntary sector who look out for those identified as vulnerable.

Gary Fielding, the county council’s director of strategic resources, said: “We have staff and extra volunteers who have once more come forward to meet any additional demand but people are encouraged to think ahead about what they might need.

“The public holiday relief operations so far have proved incredibly successful, and the widespread positive response to the call to be prepared has meant there has only been modest demand for help with shopping and other essentials over the four-day break.

"However, we will continue this important service for those in need.”

Residents are being urged to check on their neighbours, particularly if they have helped somebody in the first few weeks of lockdown and haven’t been in contact since.

Mr Fielding added: “I would like to thank our residents who are continuing to look out for those left isolated and the countless volunteers supporting vulnerable people at this difficult time.

“While the support organisations take a well-deserved break, our staff and extra volunteers are going the extra mile to plug the gap and make sure everybody has what they need this weekend.

"I want people to feel reassured that we are here to help.”

People in need of help or who will need the council to support vulnerable friends and neighbours should call its customer service centre on 01609-780780.