Shielding advice is staying the same in Wales, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer has confirmed.

The UK Government has announced the easing of advice for people shielding in England.

From July 6, people in England vulnerable to coronavirus, such as those suffering from chronic medical conditions, will be able to meet up to six people outdoors and form ‘bubbles’ with different households.

However, the advice in Wales remains the same until at least August 16.

The original shielding advice for people in Wales changed slightly last month so that people could meet others from one household outdoors and exercise outdoors.

In a statement the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Chris Jones said: “Working from home; not sharing meals or utensils at home; sleeping in a separate bed; not sharing towels and cleaning the bathroom after use – remain in place for your protection.

“This is advice only – shielding is not compulsory. These measures and advice are there to help protect you from contracting coronavirus and protect you from developing a potentially serious illness.

“I would encourage everyone who is shielding to take advantage of opportunities to go outside and enjoy some of the good weather as this has significant benefits to health and well-being.

“I would like to reassure those who are shielding that we have not forgotten about them. We keep the shielding advice under constant review as we know how hard shielding is.”