Shielding guidance to ease from 6 July

Matt Hancock has announced that millions of people shielding from coronavirus will be advised they can spend more time outside their homes from Monday 6 July.

The Health and Social Care Secretary said that from that date, those who have been shielding will be able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people, including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing. As previously mooted, those who are shielding and live alone or are single parents with children will also be able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household of any size, following the same rules already in place for the wider population.

From Saturday 1 August, the guidance will then be relaxed so clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer be advised to shield, but support will remain available from NHS volunteers and local councils. Additionally, from the same date, those who need to work and cannot do so from home will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is coronavirus secure, adhering to the guidance available.

Hancock said: “I want to thank all those who have been shielding for so many weeks for their commitment to the shielding programme. I know this has been incredibly tough. Shielding has involved not leaving your house for months, not seeing people you care about, not being able to wander to the park for some fresh air, or even pop to the shops for something you need. This sacrifice has been for a purpose, and I want to thank every single one of you. We knew it was a difficult ask, but these measures have been vital in saving lives. Now, with infection rates continuing to fall in our communities, our medical experts have advised that we can now ease some of these measures, while keeping people safe.”

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick added: “The resilience and fortitude shown by those that have needed to shield has been inspiring. It’s good news that we are now in a position to start easing some of the restrictions, which I know will be welcomed by many. I also want to reassure everyone that we will continue to deliver the unprecedented package of support including food and medicine deliveries until the end of July. You will be sent information that will explain what support is available after that, you will not be on your own. I want to thank councils, health and care professionals, the food industry, key workers and volunteers for their staggering effort to deliver a programme on a scale not seen since the Second World War. Your combined efforts have supported millions of people during this difficult time.”

Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “This announcement provides some much-needed clarity on a planned return to normal life for those whose lives have been completely changed by the impact of coronavirus. Clear communication about these changes is vital to give people who are shielding the time to adjust to the new guidance. Councils also need to have all the necessary information to help with any questions or concerns from those affected.

“A plan is needed for those who cannot afford access to priority supermarket delivery slots who will no longer be receiving emergency food parcels and to support those whose wellbeing has suffered as a result of prolonged isolation. Extra local welfare assistance funding also recognises the crucial part that councils play in helping vulnerable households and councils want to continue working with the government to develop the best way to support people, both inside and outside the shielded group, if there are local outbreaks or to protect against a potential rise in infection.

“As all members of our communities build their resilience to move out of lockdown, they need to know that support will be there if it is needed. Councils need to have the additional funding and effective data to deliver this vital support so they can specifically target where it is needed most.”