There is no change to guidance for the 1.5million people in England who are “shielded” because they are exceptionally clinically vulnerable, the Mirror understands.
These are the people who were told mid-March to stay indoors for 12 weeks due to a specific medical condition that makes them vulnerable to Covid-19.
They have been told to stay at home at all times, not even leaving for exercise or to pick up essential goods.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed to mention this group during his controversial address to the nation on Sunday evening, in which he laid out plans for easing lockdown.
But government insiders say those in the 12-week group - who are from all age ranges but have a specific condition making them vulnerable to Covid-19 - must continue to follow the "exact same rules" for the time being, despite rules relaxing for other people under Mr Johnson's new 'roadmap'.
All those people should have been contacted directly at the start of the shielding period in March.
The Prime Minister yesterday praised several sections of society for how they have responded to the torrid battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
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This included the "fortitude of the elderly whose isolation we all want to end as fast as we can" - however, other than that the PM also shed little light on the way forward for over 70s.
As the World Health Organisation explains, it is known that some groups are more vulnerable to COVID-19 in that they are more likely to become seriously ill if they do catch it.
Previously, it was reported nine out of ten coronavirus deaths in the UK had involved a pre-existing health condition, with heart disease, pneumonia, dementia and COPD putting people at the highest risk.
In March, the Government had published a list of those who are more at risk. For these people, lockdown will be relaxed in England but they should be particularly cautious about contact with others.
- aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
- under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
- chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease,motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- diabetes
- problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)
- those who are pregnant
However, there are some people who are at an even greater risk of "severe illness" from COVID-19.
These are the 1.5million people who are being "shielded" - and must continue to stay at home, not leaving even for exercise.
People in this category are:
- People who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
- People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
- People with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
- People with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)
The government has advice here on how anyone with concerns who may be at risk should socially distance themselves - and how they can manage while in isolation.
