Thousands of clinically vulnerable patients in tier 4 areas told to stay indoors

Thousands of people who are at extreme risk from the coronavirus and live in tier 4 areas have been told to stay indoors at all times unless they are exercising or have medical appointments.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) issued new advice on Monday warning people classed as “clinically extremely vulnerable” to stay home, in a bid to protect them from the new, more infectious strain of COVID-19.

Those affected have been told not to leave their homes even if they cannot work remotely. The government said residents could be eligible for statutory sick pay, employment support allowance, or universal credit as well as the coronavirus job retention scheme.

The DHSC said the high-risk group should stay at home as much as possible. Children who have been advised to shield should not attend school, the department added. 

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Source: The Independent, 21 December 2020