New data has revealed an additional 4,493 people in Swindon should be shielding from coronavirus.

Swindon Borough Council's Adult Social Care Team has sent letters out to the thousands of people who are at an increased risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19.

It comes after almost two million more people have been told to stay at home after a new tool has been used by scientists to identify people who are at an increased risk.

Those who have received the letter have been asked to shield until March 31.

In the letter the council urges those shielding to ask friends, families and other networks for help but lists alternative ways to get food shopping such as home delivery or by using NHS volunteer responders.

It adds family and friends should help with any medication collections, but if unavailable you should call your pharmacy to ask for help.

The letter also urges people to get vaccinated. It said: "Your GP will be able to offer you vaccination as a priority and the vaccine will play an important part in protecting you from coronavirus.

"We would advise all Swindon residents to attend their vaccination appointment."