‘Harmful’ shielding programme scrapped

‘Extremely’ vulnerable told to ask neighbours to shop for them or buy online and only to go out for exercise

Those most at risk are expected to be told to stay at home as much as possible but to still go out for regular exercise

Experts have found that blood cancer increases the risk from Covid-19 by more than almost any other health condition

MORE than two million people classed as “extremely” vulnerable to Covid-19 will be urged to ask neighbours to do their shopping or have groceries delivered, as the Government abandons its formal shielding programme.

During the first lockdown, those classed as “clinically extremely vulnerable” were given advice to shield themselves at home and avoid contact with others.

Under the programme, food parcels and deliveries of medicines were offered, in an effort to keep those most at risk at home.

This time, no shielding programme is in operation, after health officials said the policy caused “harm” and “left people feeling imprisoned”.

Those most at risk are expected to be told to stay at home as much as possible but to still go out for regular exercise.

They will also be told to arrange for groceries to be delivered if possible, by supermarkets, neighbours or local help groups.

Everyone classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 will be told to work from home wherever possible. If they cannot, they may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay or Employment Support Al l o wance, t he Government said.

However, charities said it was not fair that those who had been furloughed from their jobs would get 80 per cent of their salary, while those who could not work because they were vulnerable might only get statutory sick pay.

They said those with cancer could be left struggling to pay their bills, and struggling to get groceries and medicines delivered.

Some 2.2 million people are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, including those undergoing treatment for cancer, those who are immunosuppressed or those suffering from conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

Around 90,000 children who were on the lists the first time round have been taken off, amid increasing evidence about the lower risk to those in younger groups.

All those who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable should now receive a letter explaining the changes to the Government’s shielding guidance.

Health officials said the previous system of shielding, while successful in keeping people at home, was a “blunt tool” that did some harm.

They said too many people “felt imprisoned” by the previous advice, which was taken by many to be an order not to venture out.

The new guidance, expected to be published today, covers those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19.

In addition, everyone over the age of 60 as well as younger people with underlying health conditions have been classed as clinically vulnerable – and told to be “especially careful” to follow lockdown rules and minimise their contacts with others.

Pregnant women and those who are morbidly obese are being given the same advice. Those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable include 200,000 people with blood cancer in the UK who were advised to shield during the first national lockdown.

Since then, experts have found that blood cancer increases the risk from Covid-19 by more than almost any other health condition.

Gemma Peters, the chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said it was right that those at risk should stay at home as much as possible – but said more support was needed.

Ms Peters said it was not right if people who were furloughed got 80 per cent of their salary, while those who could not work because they were vulnerable might only be eligible for statutory sick pay.

She said: “This would be unfair and would leave many workers with blood cancer unable to pay their bills.”