Patients at high risk from COVID-19 infection for shielding

On March 22nd, the government published details of the groups of patients considered to be at very high risk from COVID-19 infection who should be completely shielded for twelve weeks, and an initial list of patients was produced.

These patients have all received a letter advising shielding. In a letter to GPs, we were asked to search our database for additional patients who met the government criteria but were not on the original list. This we did and have sent a further batch of letters to the individuals identified.

There is now a third group of patients being identified through information on NHS databases, and letters to these patients will be sent out by post this week.

Further information on the clinical criteria, please read the guidance from NHS England.