Millions of clinically vulnerable people in England and Scotland no longer have to follow strict “shielding” guidance from today under major changes to the rules.
In March, the Government ordered 2.2 million people with serious health conditions to stay indoors to protect them from coronavirus.
The restrictions have been slowly eased, with shielded people allowed to meet up with up to five people from July 6.
And from today the shielding advice ends completely in England and Scotland – except in some areas with a spike in coronavirus cases. In Wales it ends on August 16.
But it’s controversial. Boris Johnson has been slammed for refusing to delay the end of ‘shielding’ support despite pausing other easings to lockdown.
The Prime Minister yesterday announced a raft of lockdown-easing measures would be postponed.
But the plan to end help for people at increased risk from Covid-19 will still go ahead – despite charities branding the move “desperately unfair.”
Extremely clinically vulnerable people who have stayed at home to protect themselves from Covid-19 are allowed to return to work from today.
In an open letter to Rishi Sunak signed by 15 charities, including Age UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, raises concerns that those who have been shielding will be forced to choose between their health and their job.
Here’s what is changing.
Who was told to shield by the Government?
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Millions of people received letters from the Government telling them to shield because of their medical history.
Doctors drew up a list of conditions likely to make people particularly at risk of being seriously ill with coronavirus.
This included organ donor recipients, people with certain types of cancer and those with severe respiratory conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Pregnant women, some people over 70s and those who usually need a flu jab to cope with underlying health conditions were also told to shield.
However the advice was not compulsory – it was for people’s own protection from the virus.
What changes from August 1
From the beginning of August, the Government is “pausing” advice to people to shield unless there is a spike in coronavirus cases.
After months of lockdown, shielded people will be able to return to work, to go to the shops, to exercise outside and visit places of worship, as long as they observe social distancing.
Children who are deemed clinically vulnerable can go back to school when term begins.
However the official advice is still to be careful as the risk of vulnerable people getting severely ill from coronavirus remains.
People are told to “stay at home as much as you can and continue to take precautions when you do go out”.
Regular handwashing, avoiding touching your face, and keeping two metres away from people outside is still advised.
Should some people still shield?
Yes.
Shielding in Wales on ends on August 16.
In England, most areas are pausing shielding. People in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Lancashire, for example, can still stop shielding despite facing new restrictions.
Exceptions are Luton and Blackburn with Darwen, where shielding should continue to August 17.
In Leicester shielding also continues until at least August 17 and could run in some parts of the city beyond that.
Will the support end?
Free food parcels, medicine deliveries and care offered to shielded people will stop from August 1.
But vulnerable people can still rely on help from NHS Volunteer Responders to pick up their groceries and prescriptions.
You can still get priority slots for online shopping if you are already registered.
What had already changed on July 6?
Vulnerable people were given the go ahead to meet up with up to five friends after months without being allowed to socialise.
The Government announced shielded people could form support bubbles with one other household – allowing people to meet inside and outside without social distancing.
Those shielding were told they no longer needed to social distance from people living in their own household.
What if I am worried about going back to work?
The Government guidance says vulnerable people can return to work if they cannot work from home.
Employers must ensure that social distancing measures are in place.
If you are able to work from home then your boss is expected to help you to do so.
From August 1, shielded people will no longer be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay unless they develop symptoms – in line with the rest of the population.
If you cannot work from home, you may be eligible for other forms of leave – but it is at your employer’s discretion.
What about in care homes?
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Lots of people living in care homes remain vulnerable to coronavirus.
Care providers are told to discuss the shielding advice with residents and their families to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.
There is separate advice on keeping residents safe.
Staff working in care homes should continue to follow strict social distancing measures, including handwashing and wearing protective kit.
Where can I get more information and support?
The Government is expected to publish new guidance on shielding when the changes take effect,
In the meantime, you can call NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm) for a friendly chat or to ask for assistance.
