To ask the Minister of Health when he will publish the evidence on which the decision to maintain the pause in shielding on 23 October 2020 was based.

The Chief Medical Officer and his team recently assessed the approach to the current risks presented by COVID-19 and their assessment is that the resumption of shielding arrangements is not necessary at this stage.

In terms of the evidence on which this decision was based, it reflects the context of a range of factors. These include greater understanding of COVID-19 and clinical outcomes, how to prevent its transmission, and appreciation of the impact of shielding on many people’s physical and mental well-being. A number of important changes have taken place in the approach to managing COVID-19 and reducing its transmission since shielding was originally advised. These include a greater awareness of the importance of social distancing, the requirement to use face coverings, COVID secure workplaces and greater adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene. The statement by the Chief Medical Officer, confirming that shielding remains paused, can be found here: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/shielding-remain-paused

The decision to retain the pause in shielding will be kept under continuous review. If in the future this position changes, further guidance will be issued and we will communicate directly with clinically extremely vulnerable people to ensure they have the information they need. In the meantime, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable should continue to scrupulously follow the advice we have given to keep themselves safe.