People identified as clinically vulnerable and extremely clinically vulnerable now have to shield until the end of the lockdown period.

Isle of Man Government said it’s to reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus.Previously, those shielding were told to do so for a week, followed by a review after another week.

Letters have been sent to people in these groups advising them to continue to shield for the total 21-day circuit breaker lockdown, ending at one minute past midnight on January 28.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people are among the first phase priority groups for vaccination against Covid-19.

In a statement, IoM Government said: ’People with conditions that make them clinically vulnerable will have been informed of this by the Department of Health and Social Care or their GP, and may have been advised to shield in the past.

’This is because they are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus and should thus follow recommendations which will help to protect them.’

Vulnerable people are being advised to stay at home as much as possible and try to keep two metres distance from other members of their household, especially if they display symptoms of the virus or have been told to self-isolate.

The statement continued: ’The extremely clinically vulnerable should not attend work and only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential; extremely clinically vulnerable children should not attend school or educational settings.’

A list of long-term conditions which leave people clinically vulnerable and those who fall into the extremely clinically vulnerable group is on the IoM Government website.