‘Vulnerable at risk’ when shielding ends

CHARITIES have called for clearer guidance for the most vulnerable after it emerged those shielding may leave their homes from next month.

Some 2.2million people in England will get a letter detailing the changes to advice, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

Those classed as ‘extremely vulnerable’ have largely been told to stay at home since the beginning of lockdown in March, relying on deliveries for food and medicine.

But this is expected to stop with the Government due to soften its advice from next month, leading to fears vulnerable people may feel forced to return to work.

Blood Cancer UK said it would be extremely concerned about any plans to end shielding at the end of July. Chief executive Gemma Peters said: ‘We are worried that if the Government withdraws support for people who are shielding, it will put many people with blood cancer in a position where they feel forced to go back to work but don’t feel safe to do so.’

Those who are shielding are now told they can leave home if they can keep social distancing.

They should only go out with members of their own household, although those who live alone can spend time outdoors with one person from another household, ideally the same person each time.

The Government is expected to keep the shielding list in case they need to ask people to isolate again if there is a second wave of the virus.

Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast: ‘If you are in the shielded category we will announce very soon what the plans are and we will write to you personally through the NHS so that you can get the direct clinical advice.’