Covid rules: How can the clinically vulnerable stay safe?

Guidance for people in England identified as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ will be updated from July 19 – but what is actually changing?

Formal advice that they should be extra careful or “shield” to avoid catching seriously ill Covid was suspended in early April.

Most coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in England on July 19. The government says people classified as clinically extreme should at least follow the same guidelines as everyone else.

However, if you’re at higher risk of getting sick, you might want to “think extra carefully” about taking extra precautions when meeting others you don’t normally meet, including:

There is similar but separate official advice for people who have been shielded in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Despite Scotland moving to Covid protection level zero on July 19, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said maintaining mandatory use of face coverings beyond that period would provide “additional protection and security” for people who are particularly vulnerable.

From July 19, general advice to work from home where possible ends in England – as does the need for social distancing measures in the workplace.

However, companies still have statutory health and safety responsibilities – and your employer should explain the measures that are in place to protect you at work.

For example, some companies may ask employees to take regular Covid tests to identify asymptomatic individuals.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Holiday) is available until September 30th. You may be entitled to benefits if your employer agrees.

You may also be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment and Assistance Allowance (ESA) if you are ill or unable to work, either due to the coronavirus or other health reasons.

Read the updated government recommendations.

Although the legal requirement to wear a face covering will be lifted from July 19, the government “expects and recommends” that people wear it in crowded areas – such as busy shops and public transport.

You should consider traveling off-peak and shopping at quieter times of the day to reduce the number of people you come into contact with. You may find it more convenient to book supermarket deliveries online.

The NHS Volunteer Responders program remains available to offer support.

Data show Covid vaccines are highly effective in most people in clinical risk groups. Two doses are required for best protection.

Experts say that a double injection reduces the risk of symptomatic Covid-19 disease by around 90%. But no vaccine is 100% effective. For example, some people with weak immune systems may not benefit as much from vaccination.

You should already have been offered a vaccine but if not book through the NHS website or call 119.

Those most at risk will likely be offered booster shots from September to provide extra protection against virus variants during the winter months.

You are encouraged to get outside to exercise and make NHS appointments for your existing health conditions.

The pandemic may have triggered feelings of worry, distress or loneliness – a normal response to an unprecedented time of disruption. The government recommends several support websites.

If you are thought to be at very high risk of developing serious illness from coronavirus, you have been placed on the NHS Shielded Patient List.

A combination of factors can contribute to a person’s risk, including:

High-risk categories include people: