Shielding for most vulnerable extended until March

Shielding advice for those deemed most vulnerable will be extended in Wales until Wednesday, March 31.

The Welsh Government announced on Friday, January 29, that people defined as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ should not leave their home for work or school until the end of March.

Extremely clinically vulnerable people have been advised to shield since December 22.

Speaking at the Welsh Government’s coronavirus press briefing, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The advice for people who are extremely clinically vulnerable – the shielded group – not to go to work or school outside the home is being extended to March 31.

“We will all need to stay at home – and work from home – for a little while longer.”

The government aims to have offered first doses of a vaccine to all people in the first four priority groups, including extremely clinically vulnerable people, by mid-February.

When asked when the top four priority groups will receive their second vaccines, Mr Drakeford refused to set a target.

He told Caerphilly Observer: “People who have been vaccinated already will start to get the second dose of the vaccine by February 22.

“Starting from then it will be a rolling program and those vaccinated first will get their second vaccine.”