FAMILY REUNION
Lockdown rules: Vulnerable elderly can finally go outside and see their grandchildren after 10 weeks ‘shielding’ inside
VULNERABLE and elderly Brits can finally go outside after 10 weeks of shielding from coronavirus.
Robert Jenrick said people cooped-up indoors for their own safety can spend time with members of their own family from Monday.
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The Communities Secretary added that those who live alone can spend time with someone from one other household.
Mr Jenrick said shielding Brits and their loved ones had made a “huge sacrifice” during the coronavirus lockdown and he wanted to “express admiration” for their efforts.
Speaking at the Downing Street briefing he explained the next review of shielding measures will take place in the week beginning on June 15.
Of the new guidance, Mr Jenrick 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."
This will enable those shielding to see loved ones like children and grandchildren, something many I know are aching to do.
Robert Jenrick MP
He added: "If the conditions become less favourable our advice to those being asked to shield will unfortunately need to be tightened.
"The Government will continue to ensure that support is available to those who need it for as long as possible and for as long as people are advised to follow the shielding guidance."
Mr Jenrick said, while the updated guidance from Monday for the shielded is for England only, the Government is working closely with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland "who will issue their own guidance in due course".
The move will bring new-found freedom to those with extreme medical conditions who have become prisoners in their own homes since the lockdown began.
Many have not had face-to-face contact since they were first advised to “shield” themselves ten weeks ago.
Those in the vulnerable category include organ transplant recipients, those on chemotherapy, kidney dialysis patients and those with severe respiratory conditions.
BABY STEPS
The move is the latest in a series of “baby steps” to ease the restrictions imposed on March 23.
It follows fresh clinical advice which shows the average chance of catching the virus has fallen from 40-1 to 1,000-1.
Mr Jenrick's announcement came after after the PM revealed on Thursday that five tests for easing the nation had finally been met.
After months of lockdown, groups from different households will be able to meet up – as long as it is outside.
At the moment only two people can meet up outside, but as The Sun revealed last week, multiple households will now be able to have BBQs and garden parties to make the most of the summer.
Non-essential shops are also set to return from June 1 and June 15 with plans for pubs, restaurants and hotels to follow.
Last week England's test and trace system comes into force, which Boris said means the country can lift lockdown measures for most people.
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But the scheme got off to a shambolic start - with tracers saying they were only told the system was going live the night before.
Tracers have said it is "the blind leading the blind" and they don't have anyone who tested positive for coronavirus to call so they can get to work.
A huge number said they had not been sent login details which allowed them to access systems to start work and were instead sat at home with nothing to do.
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