According to government guidance, citizens who are most prone to risk from serious illness as a result of coronavirus infection should continue to meet outdoors where possible and demand that those closest to them take a lateral flow test before visiting them from July 19.
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New guidelines
The revised admonition is geared towards enlightening an estimated 3.7 million people in this group, which includes individuals with certain cancers and those that have severe respiratory conditions.
The guidance said,
As someone who is at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill, if you were to catch Covid-19, you may wish to think particularly carefully about additional precautions you might wish to continue to take.
The advice takes into cognisance how difficult social distancing has been for people who were advised to maintain the barriers in the past, as it prescribes a series of proactive steps to reduce the risk of the virus spreading once restrictions are lifted.
It suggests meeting outdoors wherever possible to reduce the risk of airborne transmission, as particles are blown away, and ensuring that indoor spaces are well ventilated.
Alternative measures
Other measures suggested in the guidance include 'considering whether you and those you are meeting have been vaccinated', as well as 'asking friends and family to take a lateral flow test before visiting you'.
In terms of going shopping or to a pharmacy, those who are most at risk will be advised to follow the guidance that applies to the rest of the population from July 19.
But the guidance reiterates that people may still wish to consider going to the shops and pharmacy at quieter times of the day.
The easing of restrictions are a source of fear not joy for those who are vulnerable to the virus.
Wearing a face covering in crowded areas, such as public transport, may make those defined as clinically extremely vulnerable 'feel more relaxed', guidance published on Monday evening suggested.