Those at highest risk in Tier 4 areas and advised by government to shield are eligible for support including free delivery of medicines (where friends, family, or local volunteers are unable to provide help) and statutory sick pay where unable to work from home. Individuals in Tiers 1-3 should continue to follow the government advice for those at highest risk specific to each of these tiers.
The government is writing to all patients affected by the shielding advice in Tier 4 areas to inform them of this guidance. Letters will be sent in the week commencing 21 December.
The government is aware that some letters may face postal delays over the Christmas period. Patients for whom the NHS holds an email address will receive the letter via email this week. The government is planning to use national and local media to communicate the advice to patients quickly.