We’re aware of some confusion regarding the current status of the Government shielding guidance. Specifically, queries from the public about whether shielding guidance is currently in place in their area are increasing.

To confirm:

• People who were identified as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to coronavirus were advised to ‘shield’ during the first wave of the pandemic.
• Shielding advice was lifted in most parts of the country on 1 August 2020. This means the vast majority of people considered CEV are no longer being advised to shield.
• There are two specific exceptions to this in Leicester City and North East Blackburn. Shielding advice is still in place in these areas but will be lifted from 5 October.
• Therefore, unless Government policy changes again, from 5 October no-one in England will be advised to shield.
• Areas that are subject to local lockdown restrictions are not automatically subject to shielding guidance; the decision to introduce shielding advice is currently made on a case by case basis by the UK Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) alongside the local Director of Public Health (DPH).
• If shielding guidance is re-introduced in a particular area, people considered clinically extremely vulnerable, as well as local health system colleagues, will be informed of the changes.