Millions of people shielding from coronavirus (COVID-19) will be advised they can spend more time outside their homes from Monday 6th July.

Advisory guidance is to be eased for 2.2 million people who were classed as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ to the effects of Covid-19 across England, as virus infection rates continue to fall.

This comes as the latest scientific evidence shows the chances of encountering the virus in the community continue to decline, but the government is committed to continuing with the unprecedented package of support until the end of July to give those shielding time to adjust to these changes.

Going Forward
From Saturday 1st August 2020, the guidance will then be relaxed so people described as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ to the effects of the virus will no longer be advised to shield, but support will remain available from NHS volunteers and local councils. People will retain their priority for supermarket delivery slots, and still be able to access help with shopping, medication, phone calls and transport to medical appointments.

Although people described as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ to the effects of the virus can go out, they should still maintain and follow strict social distancing measures, they will be able to participate in more activities such as visiting shops and places of worship.

For those who need to work and cannot do so from home will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is COVID secure, adhering to the guidance available.

Full UK Government announcement can be found here