Almost four million of the most vulnerable people enjoyed their first day of freedom yesterday as shielding advice ended.
Strict ‘stay indoors’ guidance was given to 2.2million individuals at the start of the pandemic, with an extra 1.7million told to shield in February after scientists identified additional risk factors.
They were told to stay at home and not go to work, leaving only for medical appointments and exercise.
But with the vast majority of those shielding now vaccinated and infections falling, millions are now able to venture outside again and begin their slow return to normality.
Shielding was put in place in March, paused at the end of July and returned in January. However, many have chosen to shield almost constantly for the past year.