2.2 million are told: You can stop shielding in five weeks
AND THEY CAN MEET IN GROUPS FROM JULY 6, SAYS HANCOCK
THE 2.2 million people in England who are currently shielding can meet in groups from July 6, the Health Secretary has said – with shielding coming to a stop at the end of July.
Matt Hancock said shielding had been incredibly tough as he set out how those who have been in the most vulnerable category will be able to meet in groups of up to six people outdoors, and some can form a support bubble with another household.
Food and support packages for those who have been shielding would stop at the end of July. The new guidance says that from July 6, those shielding from coronavirus can meet with people outside of their household outdoors in groups of six – as long as social distancing is maintained.
People who are shielding and live alone, or are single parents with children, will also be able to create a support bubble with one other household of any size, in line with rules already in place for the wider population.
Mr Hancock said shielding was being paused and would be brought back for some groups if necessary.
“I know this has been incredibly tough,” he said.
“Shielding has involved not leaving your house for months, not seeing people you care about, not being able to wander to the park for some fresh air, or even pop to the shops for something you need.
“This sacrifice has been for a purpose, and I want to thank every single one of you.
“We knew it was a difficult ask, but these measures have been vital in saving lives.
“Now, with infection rates continuing to fall in our communities, our medical experts have advised that we can now ease some of these measures, while keeping people safe,” he said.
THERE were no new deaths recorded at Greater Manchester’s hospitals during the latest 24-hour period of recorded data.
Across Britain, there was the smallest daily rise in deaths since lockdown began – 15, bringing the total to 42,647.
In the 24 hours up to yesterday morning, 139,659 tests were carried out or dispatched, with 958 positive results.
England’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said she understood some people would be fearful, but perhaps needed ‘to push a little bit as well’ to get back out, including possibly to work.
“The prevalence of the virus in the community is now lower and chances of getting infected are reduced, so we believe it is the right time to relax some of the advice so people can start to regain a degree of normality once more in their daily lives,” she said.