The government has extended the pandemic delivery service by another week in two areas in England amid persistent concerns over local Covid-19 outbreaks.

Shielded patients in parts of Leicester in lockdown and Blackburn with Darwen will continue to have medicine and appliances delivered to their homes under the service until September 7.

NHS England said pharmacies located in lockdown areas will receive essential service payment for delivering items while friends, relatives, carers or volunteers “should be asked to collect medicines” under the NHS volunteer responders programme.

Contractors situated outside of those areas, with the exception of distance-selling pharmacies, can also deliver prescriptions to shielded patients in areas with an outbreak and claim payment under the advanced service terms by October 5.