Clinically vulnerable people in England will no longer be advised to shield from Thursday 1 April 2021, it has been revealed.
The change in guidance comes after a sharp fall in new Covid-19 cases, paving the way for economic recovery.
However, people at risk of illness have been advised to take “extra precautions” as the coronavirus continues to linger in the community.
Commenting on the new guidance, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, said people are still advised to continue working from home “where possible”, but if unable to do so, employers are required by law to take steps to make workplaces Covid-19 secure.
What employers need to do
Working closely with your occupational health provider and health and safety department, employers should do everything in their power to control the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.
This will mean completing a risk assessment and developing protocols for quickly identifying, containing, and managing any incidents of coronavirus.
While the clinically vulnerable have been advised to stop shielding from April, those at highest risk of disease should be asked to stay at home where possible. If unable to do so, employers should make reasonable adjustments to ensure vulnerable workers can remain safe.
Consideration should also be given to the mental health of staff, and the necessary support should be available when called upon.
Get expert advice today
Our expert occupational healthcare team can support your business as it recovers from Covid-19 disruption. From risk assessments to rapid testing kits, we deploy the latest NHS and Public Health England (PHE) guidance to keep your workplace Covid-19 secure.
To find out how we can help keep your workforce healthy, please get in touch today.
