To ask the Minister of Health when he will arrange for an updated shielding letter to be sent to all those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, given the last one was specific for a six-week time frame.

All those who are clinically extremely vulnerable in relation to COVID-19 have been advised by the Chief Medical Officer not to attend the workplace from 26th December 2020 if they are unable to work from home.

The Chief Medical Officer has written to all those identified as clinically extremely vulnerable to set out this advice. This letter is evidence for an employer that the person is advised not to attend the workplace. If there is a delay in receiving the letter, the original ‘shielding letter’ can be used as evidence. It is up to the individual to decide if they wish to follow the Chief Medical Officer’s advice. Anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable and who chooses not to attend work due to the Chief Medical Officer’s updated advice is eligible to apply for support.

The letter from the Chief Medical Officer noted that the advice regarding those who are clinically extremely vulnerable attending the workplace would be in place for six weeks initially, with a review after four weeks in line with the review of restrictions more generally.

This advice has now been reviewed and it has been agreed that it will continue to be in place until 5 March. The advice will be reviewed again by 18 February in line with the review of restrictions more generally. The guidance on the NIDirect website for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable has been updated to reflect this position. There are no plans to issue new letters. Any future changes to this advice will also be updated on the NIDirect website which can be accessed at:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and ‘vulnerable’ people | nidirect