Government set to decide if shielding for two million vulnerable Brits from coronavirus will end from July

Responding to the reports, a government spokesperson said: "We've always said we will be looking at making life easier for those having to shield, when it is safe to do so.

"We are considering the next steps for the shielding programme beyond the end of June, based on the latest medical and scientific advice.

"No final decision has yet been made and we will set out more detail shortly."

Caroline Abrahams, from Age UK, said a change would be "very good news" but added that people would need to feel confident it is safe.

"It's beholden on the Government to be very clear both in its rationale and its communications," she said.

'Visits to a minimum'

Current guidelines say: "If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you're strongly advised to stay at home as much as possible and keep visits outside to a minimum (for instance once per day)."

Those on the “extremely clinically vulnerable” list include those with severe respiratory disease, organ transplants and some types of cancer.

The shielding group are told to avoid indoor spaces and large groups and to stay two metres from people outside of their household or support bubble.

The Government is currently advising these people to shield until June 30 but ministers are expected to extend it for at least a month but say those at highest risk can follow the guidelines of those deemed "clinically vulnerable".

This group can currently go out for food and exercise and even work if they cannot work from home but they are advised to stay at home as much as possible.

Last month, the Government said that vulnerable and elderly Brits could go outside for the first time - while continuing to follow social distancing rules.

It meant that from June 1, those with families were allowed to go out once a day with members of their household.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that those who live alone can also spend time with someone from one other household - as long as they keep two metres apart.

He said: "This will enable those shielding to see loved ones like children and grandchildren, something many I know are aching to do.

"Having spent many weeks indoors some will understandably be very cautious and concerned about going outdoors. You should only do what you are comfortable with."

But it's hoped the new guidance will give people who have shielding more confidence to be able to leave their homes.

'Support bubbles'

It comes after Boris Johnson announced the introduction of "support bubbles" to allow those living alone or single parents with children to link up with one other household.

Since Saturday, many who have been lonely or isolated during lockdown were told they could hug their loved ones - as they no longer have to stay two metres apart.

But the Prime Minister said that the new rule would not apply to those who are shielding.

Speaking at Downing Street press briefing last week, he said: "Unfortunately we cannot advise anyone who is shielding to form a support bubble at this stage, given their particular vulnerability to the virus.

"I know how hard it is for those of you who are shielding and we will say more next week about the arrangements that will be in place for you beyond the end of June."

Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: “We would be extremely concerned about any plans to end shielding at the end of July.

"We are worried that if the Government withdraws support for people who are shielding, it will put many people with blood cancer in a position where they feel forced to go back to work but don’t feel safe to do so. There is a real danger that people will face a choice between financial security and their health, and this would be unacceptable.

"Given that we now understand that blood cancer increases your risk of becoming seriously ill with coronavirus more than almost any other condition, we’re concerned the Government is taking a one-size-fits-all approach to lifting shielding.