This page was last updated on 17 January at 19.30

The government has identified some people who are more vulnerable than most to becoming very poorly if they contract Covid-19. These people are classed as being ‘clinically vulnerable’ and need to take particular care to avoid contact with the disease.

Current government advice for people who are aged over 70 or who are classed as ‘clinically vulnerable‘ is that you:

• should be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise your contacts with others
• should continue to wash your hands carefully and more frequently than usual and maintain thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas in your home and/or workspace
• observe the social distancing rules carefully

Who is classed as ‘clinically vulnerable’?

The government has advised that ‘clinically vulnerable’ people are anyone who is pregnant, anyone aged over 70, or anyone who is aged under 70 but has any of the health conditions below:

• a lung condition that’s not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis)
• heart disease (such as heart failure)
• diabetes
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease (such as hepatitis)
• a condition affecting the brain or nerves (such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy)
• a condition that means they have a high risk of getting infections
• anyone taking medicine that can affect the immune system (such as low doses of steroids)
• very obese (a BMI of 40 or above)
• are pregnant

What about people who were previously shielding?

The government has designated a further group of people as being ‘clinically extremely vulnerable‘, these people are again being told to shield during this current lockdown. You can find out more about the latest advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people here.