Vunerable people should feel safe because 93 per cent of them have been double jagged, claims national clinical director Jason Leitch.
Despite restrictions being relaxed, he has issued an assurance to “at risk” groups that they can carry out everyday activities despite Covid-19 cases continuing to rise.
Individuals previously in the “shielding” category will get letters this week from chief medical officer Gregor Smith outlining new Government guidance.
Leitch said: “We can take this step despite relatively high prevalence because of the protection being offered by the vaccine.
“Over 93 per cent of people at highest risk have now had their second dose and the vaccine’s impact is being demonstrated through the far lower numbers of hospitalisations and deaths.
“Last January, more than 10 per cent of people who tested positive for Covid had to go to hospital. That is now around three per cent.
“And people admitted to hospital with Covid are being discharged much quicker – which reflects the fact that more cases are in younger people who are less likely to become seriously ill.”
He said he understood people who previously had to shield might feel wary or frightened about the transition to Level 0.
He added: “Members of my own family are finding it difficult. But the measures we are taking are taken with the highest risk group in mind.
“The First Minister has emphasised that certain mitigations such as face coverings will remain in place for now. She also highlighted the importance of protecting each other through getting the vaccination, getting tested and sticking to the remaining rules.”
On medical appointments at doctors’ surgeries or hospitals, Leitch said it is now safe for people at high risk to do so as well as go shopping, pick up prescriptions and attend school and college.
He said there are “no plans” to return to the extreme shielding people had to go through at the start of the pandemic.
Leitch said: “I know how hard that was for people. Now there is more understanding of the virus, transmission, vaccination and the steps we can all take to keep people safe.
“The advice for people at highest risk, at levels 2, 3 and 4, is there if we need to return to it – in case of local or national outbreaks but hopefully that won’t be necessary.”
