Two million shielders able to meet family and friends
MILLIONS of vulnerable people told to shield themselves from coronavirus will be able to meet friends and visit relatives’ homes from July 6, Matt Hancock has announced.
The Health Secretary said 2.2million shielded people would be able to meet up to five other people outdoors in what will be a huge boost for those who have been virtual prisoners in their own homes for the past three months.
If they live alone they will also be able to form a “support bubble” with one other household. They will also be able to go shopping.
Mr Hancock said the infection rate in the community was low enough for shielding to stop at the end of July, though help will still be available from NHS volunteers and councils.
People advised to shield themselves during lockdown are the most medically vulnerable, including those with lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis and people being treated for cancer.
Until now, the only easing of lockdown for shielded people has been allowing them to go outside once a day with their household or, if they live alone, to meet one other person at a two-metre distance.
From Aug 1 the easing of restrictions will go further, with those deemed
“clinically extremely vulnerable” no longer advised to shield as long as they continue strict social distancing.
Those who cannot work from home can return to work if their workplace adheres to Government guidance.
Mr Hancock said: “I want to thank all those who have been shielding for so many weeks for their commitment to the programme. I know this has been incredibly tough. 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.”
Dr Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer, said it was time for those shielding to “start coming back to a more normal lifestyle”.
She said new scientific evidence suggested coronavirus risks were a “combination of factors in that individual” such as age, ethnicity and obesity. She said changing evidence would be “particularly relevant” for children, adding: “It’s very likely that in the future very few children will need to shield.”
Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, has commissioned work to ensure that should shielding need to be stepped up again it would be done in a “more individualised way”, she added.
Mr Hancock signalled that there could be regional shielding in the future, saying that the Government would “absolutely” consider such measures “as part of a local lockdown”.