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There are 2.2 million people who have been self-isolating in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because infection rates are falling, these people will no longer need to shield from 1 August.
Before the end of July, the shielding measures will be relaxed. From 6 July, people who have been shielding will be able to meet with up to five other people outdoors to form ‘support bubbles’. These people can also be from other households.
Current support for people who are shielding, such as food shopping and prescriptions will remain in place until the end of July to help people get back to normality.
In Northern Ireland if the rate of community transmission remains low people will no longer need to shield from 31 July. People who are shielding and living alone in Northern Ireland will also be able to form a support bubble from 6 July with one other household. Read more here.
In Scotland, the shielding advice applies to around 180,000 people and remains in place until at least 31 July.
In Wales, almost 130,000 people are self-isolating and the current shielding guidance runs until at least 16 August. Read the Deputy Chief Officer for Wales statement here.
Until the shielding guidance changes, people who are self-isolating across the UK are advised to stay at home as much as possible and to practise social distancing when they go outside.
Read more on our coronavirus page here: Who is at highest risk of coronavirus?
