Chris Townsend appointed to lead shielding programme

Chris Townsend OBE has been appointed to lead the government’s shielding programme to protect those at highest risk from coronavirus.

Chris Townsend, previously Commercial Director for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will lead the cross-government effort to ensure that clinically vulnerable people who are advised to shield will receive the food and medicine they need.

The government’s shielding effort is already underway, and around 250,000 boxes of essential food have already been delivered by wholesalers to those at highest risk across the country, with hundreds of thousands more to follow in the coming weeks.

Delivering support on this scale to protect the most vulnerable is a huge and evolving task bringing together national and local government and the food industry. 

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: "I am delighted to confirm Chris Townsend has been appointed to lead the huge cross-government effort to support and protect the most vulnerable during this difficult time.

"Our number one priority is ensuring the health and wellbeing of everyone during the coronavirus emergency and Chris brings a wealth of experience with him as he steps in to oversee our shielding programme."

Chris has held a number of major roles including CEO of Broadband UK and Commercial Director at Chelsea Football Club. He played a key role in London 2012 and knows exactly what it takes to recreate the unity and community spirit needed to deliver this vital programme of support to the clinically vulnerable.

Chris Townsend, Chief Executive Officer of the Shielding Programme said: "I am proud to lead the government’s shielding programme and determined to do all I can to ensure those most at risk get the support they need.

"This is a top priority and I call on everyone to remember the important role they have to play in stopping the spread of coronavirus and to shield those most at risk."

There are around 1.5 million people who fall into the clinically vulnerable group in England. This includes those with reduced immune systems or with severe respiratory conditions.

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