Shielding advice to remain until July for the most at risk
GOVERNMENT advice about shielding the most vulnerable will be reviewed in two weeks, but is likely to remain in place until at least July, the communities secretary has said.
Around 2.2million people classed as “extremely vulnerable” have spent more than two months confined to their homes, after being issued with advice to stay home, and rely on deliveries of food and medication.
Ministers have said those who live with family members can go outside with them from today, while those living alone are allowed to meet one other person outdoors, at two metres’ distance. Such individuals are still being told not to visit shops or other enclosed places.
Robert Jenrick, the Communities Secretary, said the latest guidance will be reviewed again in the week starting June 15, and pledged to ensure the situation for such groups is examined whenever lockdown changes are made for the rest of the population.
But he said shielding measures will likely stay in place until at least July, though further changes may be made to make the burden easier.
Mr Jenrick said the changes would enable those shielding “to see loved ones, like children and grandchildren – something many are aching to do.”
But he said those who have spent months indoors would be cautious about going outdoors and should only do what they felt comfortable with.
And he said some form of shielding is likely to remain in place for some time.
One of the Government’s scientific advisers said shielding advice could be “fine tuned” because some groups are less at risk than previously thought.
Prof Peter Openshaw, who sits on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, said research suggested some of those who had been given the advice were far less at risk than had been thought.
He said: “The order to shield has been based on a presumption of sensitivity to coronavirus, but there are some huge studies coming out now, and it may seem that many people who we thought vulnerable are not.”