A CHIRK town councillor is offering personal protective equipment (PPE) to those who have been shielding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councillor Gareth Baines has been helping to distribute PPE made by local firms during the virus outbreak, and has some available for those who have completed the advised number of weeks shielding.

Many people who were instructed to shield at the start of lockdown are now being allowed out to exercise.

They are also able to meet people from another household outdoors.

Cllr Baines is offering the equipment to those people, to ensure they stay safe when meeting people outdoors.

He said: “The idea is to have the equipment available for those who want to walk and or go and see their friends and family outside.

“If they are still a little bit nervous, there are visors available for them.

“It is still very important that people take these kinds of precautions when going out as the lockdown rules change.

“It really needs to be stressed how important it is to stay two metres apart from each other.

“It is recommended people take hand sanitiser out with them and they also wash their hands when they return home.

“It’s important people still follow it, but hopefully the recent changes might help to ease the burden of being stuck in the house during recent weeks.”

Cllr Baines is urging people to remain cautious and stay safe despite the recent changes to the restrictions.

“It’s still people’s choice to stay indoors,” he said. “If people still don’t feel as though it is safe yet, then they don’t have to go out.

“For some people it will be a morale boost, especially for people who may not have gardens.

“It is a chance for people to get out and see something different and in some cases, safely see family for the first time in what will be almost 11 weeks.”

To contact Cllr Baines about the face visors, email garethabaines@gmail.com