Along with the wider easing of coronavirus restrictions, the Government has also updated the guidance for those shielding, allowing some of the nation’s most vulnerable to cautiously emerge from their homes for the first time in 10 weeks.

What is the new guidance to people who are shielding?

According to the latest advice on gov.uk people classed as clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to take additional action to prevent themselves from coming into contact with the virus.

The advice states: "If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable, you’re strongly advised to stay at home as much as possible and keep visits outside to a minimum (for instance once per day).

"If you wish to spend time outdoors (though not in other buildings, households, or enclosed spaces) you should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping two metres apart.

"If you choose to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of your own household. If you live alone, you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household (ideally the same person each time).

"You should stay alert when leaving home: washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distance and avoiding gatherings of any size.

"You should not attend any gatherings, including gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, parties, weddings and religious services.

"You should strictly avoid contact with anyone who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, your sense of taste or smell).

"The Government is currently advising people to shield until June 30, 2020 and is regularly monitoring this position.

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene

The advice adds: "There are general principles you should follow to help prevent the spread of airway and chest infections caused by respiratory viruses, including:

"wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser. Do this after you blow your nose, sneeze or cough before you eat or handle food and always immediately when you return home

"avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin

clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home

Who does the guidance apply to?

The shielding guidance applies to anyone who is considered clinically extremely vulnerable, as well as their family, friends and carers.

There are believed to be 2.2 million at-risk people who were shielding in England.

What is the science behind the updated guidance?

The Government said the change in guidance stems from the substantially lower level of COVID-19 transmission in the country compared to when the lockdown was first introduced.

However a number of charities have called for the Government to be more specific in their scientific basis for updating the guidelines, citing “confusion” caused by the sudden announcement.

“The way it has announced this on a Saturday night, with no warning or consultation with charities and clinicians, has created confusion,” said Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK. “Until we get (clarity), we advise people to speak to their healthcare teams before making any changes.”

When will the guidance be updated next?

The next review of shielding measures is scheduled to take place in the week beginning June 15, with regular reviews taking place alongside the review of social distancing measures for the wider population.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick flagged on Sunday that guidance for those shielding could become strict again if the virus starts to flare up, but added that he is hopeful of future guidance being more tailored to each individual, rather than the current blanket approach.