Light at the end of the tunnel for the shielded

BORIS JOHNSON did not specifically mention Britain’s 2.2 million shielded people in his statement to the House of Commons.

However, on Monday, Matt Hancock, the Heath Secretary, announced this “extremely clinically vulnerable” group would finally be able to meet friends and visit relatives’ homes from July 6.

Shielded people, considered the most medically vulnerable to the coronavirus, including those with lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis and cancer patients, will be able to meet up to five other people outdoors after being virtual prisoners in their homes for the past three months.

If they live alone they will be able to form a “support bubble” with another household, meaning they can visit their families and even stay overnight.

It is hoped the infection rate will be low enough for shielding to end by the end of July, though help will still be available.

Provided they continue strict socialdistancing measures, shielded people will be able to go to supermarkets and places of worship and those who cannot work from home will be able to return as long as the workplace adheres to government guidance.

Until now, the only easing of lockdown for the shielded has been allowing them outside once a day with their household or, if they live alone, to meet one person at a two-metre distance.

Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, has commissioned work to ensure that should the shielding programme need to be stepped up again it would be done in a “more individualised way”.