Two million vulnerable people in England could soon be told they no longer need to shield themselves from contact with others
The government is reviewing its advice to ‘shielding’ people at the highest risk of coronavirus.
It follows reports the advice could be scrapped by the end of July.
Food packages and medicine deliveries for these people could also be ended, the Health Service Journal reports.
But priority online food shopping from supermarkets is expected to remain while ministers will keep the shielding list in case they need to ask people to isolate again during a second wave.
The HSJ reported ministers were set to change the rules, so those in the highest risk category follow the same guidance as the elderly.
It’s understood the NHS will write to those in the highest risk group with any changes to the advice, and support that will be available to them.
The highest risk group includes people with severe respiratory illnesses, some cancer sufferers and people who have had organ transplants.
They’ve been told they have to stay at home, only leaving the house for exercise, and to have food and supplies delivered.
A larger group of ‘moderate risk’ people - including the elderly, those with diabetes, kidney and liver diseases or other conditions that leave them at risk of infection - are told to stay at home “as much as possible.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We’ve always said we will be looking at making life easier for those having to shield, when it is safe to do so.
“We are considering the next steps for the shielding programme beyond the end of June, based on the latest medical and scientific advice.
“No final decision has yet been made and we will set out more detail shortly.”
