PEOPLE are being reminded they still have responsibilities as the end of coronavirus rules could see society's most vulnerable, including tens of thousands people in Bradford, "rolling the dice" every time they go out.

A group representing vulnerable families said a lack of guidance from the Government is concerning for millions of people formerly advised to shield to avoid the risk of Covid infection.

NHS Digital figures show 12,785 patients in Bradford were classed as clinically extremely vulnerable in April 2020 – shortly after they were first added to the shielding list.

By the time shielding came to an end on September 30 last year this had risen to 43,935 in the area, following an expansion of the list in February 2021.

After all coronavirus laws in England came to an end in February as part of the Government's strategy of "living with Covid", Lara Wong, founder of the Clinically Vulnerable Families support group, said: "The lack of government guidance puts vulnerable people in a difficult position. The removal of protections means the risk of catching Covid will increase."

James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability charity Scope, said: “Ending self-isolation and phasing out testing will leave some disabled people rolling the dice every time they leave the house."

Jacqui Drake, of Apperley Bridge, who is terminally ill with stage 4 malignant melanoma, said: "I'm on treatment every four weeks and it keeps me well.

"Through the pandemic, I continued to go to treatment, whereas some people were too scared.

"I think they lifted the restrictions too soon, but they were trying to do what was right for the world.

"I take responsibility for myself and only go out when I need to. I can't wear a mask because I only have one lung but I do wear a visor and still use sanitiser, so I do hope stores will continue to keep it in place.

"But I think the best way forward is the vaccination programme. Getting the vaccination will help keep people safe.

"We do have to live with Covid because it's not going to go away."

But Jacqui said since Covid regulations ended on February 24, "it's like it stopped one day and now you never hear about it. It's almost like it wasn't there.

"People still have to take responsibility for themselves and for others. It's personal choice but I think it's important."

Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health at Bradford Council said: "We still have concerns about the safeguards and protections for the most vulnerable of our residents. Covid is still around, it is still affecting people and has not gone away.

"That’s why I would remind everyone of their responsibilities to take whatever measures they can to prevent others getting Covid.

"This includes being vaccinated as the best way to protect ourselves and others.

"Respecting people’s choices will be important and I would encourage people to continue to wear masks when in crowded situations like on public transport.

"If you have symptoms or test positive for Covid, it is important to recover at home to reduce the chances of passing Covid on even if there is no legal reason to self-isolate."