WALES’ First Minister has addressed concerns of the shielding community after a Flintshire councillor raised his fears that people not following social distancing guidelines could render their sacrifices meaningless.

New guidelines for the shielding community permit that people can take one form of daily exercise and meet people from one other household – all whilst maintaining social distancing – but have also been told to remain in shielding until mid-August and not attempt to go shopping themselves or return to workplaces.

The Leader has reported that Broughton councillor Klaus Armstrong-Braun, who has been shielding from the coronavirus since lockdown was declared in March, shared his concerns that he was one of many people that are increasingly reluctant to use the extra freedom from fear of coming into contact with others who aren't following the social distancing guidelines.

He told the Leader: “A lot of people have just been ignoring the distancing rules and think they can do their own thing.

"I see a lot of people standing about on the pavements talking and walking close to you as you try to get past. It is becoming more and more worrying.

Speaking to those who may be getting 'complacent' with the rules, he continued: "You should keep your distance at all times, because you could really cause someone's death.

"It is sad now that we have to do all the work to protect ourselves, instead of everyone looking after each other by just keeping their distance. If we're not careful now, we will get a second wave."

A question posed by the Leader to Wales’ First Minister at the daily coronavirus press conference asked for assurances to other shielding community members that nay share these concerns.

Mr Drakeford said: “We want to say how grateful we are to all those that have worked so hard to the restrictions we have asking shielding people to undertake. The opportunity to go outside and take some exercise in the fresh air and to meet another household locally and in a socially distanced way is just that - it is an opportunity, not an instruction.

“I completely understand that there will be many people in the shielded group that will feel that that is a risk they don’t want to take. If that is their judgement, then that is exactly what they should do.

“For people that do want to take advantage of these opportunities we want to be clear that we are not asking people to go to supermarkets, we are not asking you to go to work, it is just a chance that whilst the summer is still in front of us to take advantage of the fact that this virus does not last in the open air and for you to be able to get that exercise and see the people who are really important to you. But please, do not put yourselves in other contexts where social distancing is not possible.”