To ask the Minister of Health whether shielding will be paused from 1 April 2021 in line with the UK Government’s announcement for England; and when clinically extremely vulnerable people may be advised to return to work.

Shielding for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people was paused at the end of July 2020. Since then, advice for CEV people has been kept under continual review by a dedicated cell in the Department of Health which is overseen by the Chief Medical Officer.

On 16 March, advice for CEV people was reviewed in line with the wider review of restrictions. The current advice for CEV people not to attend the workplace has been extended to 11 April. However, from 12 April, a graduated easing of advice will commence, subject to ongoing review of the epidemiology and the status of wider restrictions.

From 12 April, CEV people should continue to work from home where this is possible. If it is not possible, they can attend their workplace, provided their employer has taken the proper measures to ensure social distancing, and they can travel to work in a way which allows for social distancing.

Updated advice has been placed online at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-and-vulnerable-people.