Vulnerable told they no longer need to shield - but warned to be cautious

People with underlying health problems were told to shield a year ago.

In a letter last week, however, Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, recommended that, while no longer advised to shield, vulnerable people should still take extra precautions to protect themselves.

This includes continuing to work from home if possible and to take care socialising or commuting.

"These are not rules but advice," Mr Hancock said in his letter.

He said if it was not possible to work from home, employers were "required to take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 in the workplace and should be able to explain the measures put in place".