Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 (updated 4 November 2020)

Summary

This guidance is for people, including children, who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) because of an underlying health condition, and for their family, friends and carers. It is intended for use in situations where the extremely vulnerable person is living in their own home, with or without additional support. This includes the extremely clinically vulnerable people living in long-term care facilities, either for the elderly or persons with special needs.

Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically extremely vulnerable by minimising all interaction between those who are extremely vulnerable and others. We are strongly advising people with serious underlying health conditions (listed below) which put them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to rigorously follow shielding measures in order to keep themselves safe.

Content

• Background and scope of guidance
• What do we mean by extremely vulnerable?
• What you need to know
• Symptoms
• What is shielding?
• What should you do if you have someone else living with you?
• Handwashing and respiratory hygiene
• What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• How can you get assistance with foods and medicines if you are shielding?
• What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?
• What is the advice for visitors, including those who are providing care for you?
• What is the advice for informal carers who provide care for someone who is extremely vulnerable?
• How do you look after your mental well-being?
• What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?
• What is the advice for people living in long-term care facilities, either for the elderly or persons with special needs?
• What is the advice for parents and schools with extremely vulnerable children?