Coronavirus: Hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people 'could be told to shield' as cases rise

Hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people living in coronavirus hotspots could be told to "shield" this winter as infections continue to rise.

Ministers are expected to outline a three-tier local lockdown system next week, which may see those most at risk if they catch COVID-19 being told to stay at home for a month.

A decision on shielding has not been finalised and may be delayed because of fears for the mental health of those told to avoid seeing other people.

Around 2.2 million people in England deemed "clinically extremely vulnerable" were asked to shield at the height of the coronavirus pandemic before the scheme was "paused" at the end of July.

Sky News understands that the level of self-isolation required in each area will vary depending on the restrictions in place there.

It is thought the advice will be clinically led, with GPs helping guide what people should do bearing in mind possible negative effects on mental health.

This compares with the more blanket advice on shielding last time around.

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Source: Sky News, 9 October 2020