'Stay at home at all times': Government issues stark new shielding advice for extremely vulnerable in Tier 4
Stark new shielding advice issued for people in Tier 4 areas
Clinically extremely vulnerable people told to ‘stay at home at all times’
It’s in response to new variant of COVID-19 that is 70% more transmissible and prevalent in London, South East and East of England
Clinically extremely vulnerable people in Tier 4 areas have been told to “stay at home at all times” in stark new coronavirus shielding advice released on Monday.
The government guidelines read: “This group of the most vulnerable is strongly advised to stay at home at all times, unless for exercise or medical appointments, and not to attend work, even if they are unable to work from home.”
It comes after Boris Johnson introduced a new Tier 4 on Saturday in response to a new variant of the virus that is up to 70% more transmissible than the original strain.
Monday’s advice is the same as the shielding guidelines issued during November’s national lockdown.
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It urges the clinically extremely vulnerable in those Tier 4 areas in London, the South East and the East of England against:
socialising. People are urged to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors to exercise or attend health appointments
going to work. If people can’t work from home, they are asked to check their eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
going to school
visiting shops or pharmacies. The government said “support is available for those who need it while they remain at home”
There is no formal shielding advice currently in place for people in areas outside Tier 4.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people include those whose immune systems may be suppressed, or those with specific cancers or severe respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. A full list is available on the government website.
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