In advance of the National COVID-19 restrictions coming into force on the 5th November in England, the Government issued new guidance for those extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. This article provides an overview of these and links you to national rules and guidance.

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On the 5th November these new National restrictions came into effect and now apply to England:

• you cannot meet socially with anyone indoors unless they’re in your support bubble
• there are changes to how many people you can meet outside
• you must not travel in the UK or overseas, unless for a specific reason, like education, work or a caring responsibility

On the 4th November, the government sent out a new (third) letter to patients considered extremely vulnerable to the virus. This letter provided new guidance to those previously shielding.

 

Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to stay at home, except for exercise or essential health appointments.

The Government has published updated shielding guidance for people who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable. You should stay at home as much as possible but are encouraged to go outdoors for exercising and attending health appointments. You are strongly advised to work from home. If you cannot work from home, then you should not attend work. You may be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough). This letter is a formal shielding notification and can act as evidence for your employer to show that you cannot work outside your home until 2 December, including for statutory sick pay (SSP) purposes.