When can shielders return to work?
Myriam Toua
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As of February 10 there were 2.26million people shielding in the UK, according to NHS figures. That number equates to a huge four percent of the population. Those who have been forced to shield are predominantly in the older age groups, mainly 50-year-olds and above. This is likely due to the fact their age makes them at higher risk for serious illness from the virus, and a combination of any underlying health condition heightens that risk further.
The data from NHS England includes all patients identified by GPs, the NHS and hospital doctors.