Millions finally freed as shielding ends

AlMoST four million of the most vulnerable people enjoyed their first day of freedom yesterday as shielding advice ended.

Strict ‘stay indoors’ guidance was given to 2.2million individuals at the start of the pandemic, with an extra 1.7million told to shield in February after scientists identified additional risk factors.

They were told to stay at home and not go to work, leaving only for medical appointments and exercise.

But with the vast majority of those shielding now vaccinated and infections falling, millions are now able to venture outside again and begin their slow return to normality.

Shielding was put in place in March, paused at the end of July and returned in January. However, many have chosen to shield almost constantly for the past year.

Some 126,000 people were contacted in error and wrongly told to shield during the first lockdown, a National Audit office report found in

‘Vulnerable need to be protected’

February. it came as an extra 1.7million were asked to stay indoors after a new model was developed that takes into account extra factors rather than just health. The calculation included risk factors such as ethnicity and weight.

clinically extremely vulnerable people who were told to shield included those who have had a transplant, specific cancers or severe respiratory conditions.

charities warned that many of those who have been indoors could be feeling anxious as the advice ends.

Jacqueline Ali of the cystic Fibrosis Trust said: ‘Most people with cystic fibrosis have now been offered the vaccine but they remain clinically extremely vulnerable so concerns are still high. it is vital that the Government sets out in a timely manner what measures will be in place to protect and provide support to people with cystic fibrosis, and all who are clinically extremely vulnerable, as restrictions ease.’

Steven Mcintosh of Macmillan cancer Support said: ‘it will be the responsibility of Government and employers to make sure the most vulnerable in our society continue to be protected as this lockdown eases.’