At long last! 2.2m shielders can venture outside again
VULNERABLE people in England and Wales can go outside after ten weeks of shielding from Covid-19, said communities secretary Robert Jenrick.
From today, those in high-risk groups who have been advised to stay at home since lockdown will be able to venture out with members of their household.
Mr Jenrick added that people living alone can spend time with a person from one other household while maintaining social distancing.
The new guidance applies to about 2.2million ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ people – many with existing health issues, serious illnesses or respiratory conditions. In England, those shielding will be able to go out once a day, while in Wales outdoor exercise is unlimited.
Praising the ‘huge sacrifice’ made by people shielding during the lockdown, Mr Jenrick said the changes will enable them ‘to see loved ones like children and grandchildren, something many I know are aching to do’.
He added: ‘Having spent many weeks indoors some will understandably be very cautious and concerned about going outdoors. You should only do what you are comfortable with. If the conditions become less favourable our advice to those being asked to shield will unfortunately need to be tightened.
‘The government will continue to ensure that support is available to those who need it for as long as possible and for as long as people are advised to follow the shielding guidance.’
Shielding advice in Northern Ireland and Scotland has not yet changed but the government is working with the devolved administrations ‘who will issue their own guidance in due course’. Support for shielders, such as food and medicine deliveries, will continue.
Mr Jenrick said the next review of shielding measures would take place in two weeks with further steps considered in late June. A scientist advising the government, Prof Peter Openshaw, told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: ‘I think we’re going to be able to fine-tune the advice now and actually reassure some people we feared might be susceptible, that in fact they’re not as vulnerable as we thought.’