The Department of Health and Social care has this morning announced that people in England who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable who were asked to shield during the lockdown will get new advice, tailored to the new three tier guidelines.
Those living in Very High areas are advised to continue to go outside for exercise, but to avoid busy areas to minimise the chance of coming into close contact with others. Otherwise, they are advised to stay at home as much as possible.
Where at all possible they are strongly advised to work from home but if they cannot they may want to speak to their employer about taking on an alternative role or change your working patterns temporarily (for example, to avoid travelling in rush hour).
All pupils and students should continue to attend education settings at all local COVID alert levels unless they are one of the very small number of pupils or students under paediatric care and have been advised by their GP or clinician not to attend an education setting.
They are also advised to significantly reduce shopping trips. Where possible, should consider shopping online. If they do need to go to the shops, try to do so at quieter times and maintain strict social distancing.
For areas at High Level people are advised to keep the number of different people meet with low. The fewer people you meet, the less likely you are to catch COVID-19.
They are encouraged to continue to go outside with your household and/or support bubble because of the benefits of exercise. If they do choose to meet other households outside of your support bubble, this must be outside, must be in groups of less than 6 people and are advised to keep the numbers low.
They should continue to work from home where possible while All pupils and students should continue to attend education settings at all local COVID alert levels unless they are one of the very small number of pupils or students under paediatric care and have been advised by their GP or clinician not to attend an education setting.
And in this area they advise clinically extremely vulnerable people to avoid travel where possible except for going to work, school, or for essential shopping.
They are asked to reduce the number of shopping trips you make. If they do go to the shops, consider doing so at quieter times of the day.
Consider using online delivery slots for food shopping or ask friends and family to help deliver shopping or collect medicines for you.
In a statement Dr Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer for England, said:
Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the prevalence of the virus across the country and we know those who are clinically extremely vulnerable are looking for practical advice on how they can carry on their lives while the virus remains in our communities.
The new system will provide clarity on how best those in this group can keep themselves as safe as possible depending on the rates of transmission in their local area. Whilst advisory, I would urge all those affected to follow the guidance wherever they can and to continue to access health services for their medical conditions.
We will continue to monitor the evidence closely and fine-tune this approach to make sure everyone in this group is clear about the safest way to go about their daily lives, particularly over the coming winter months.
