What Is Shielding?

Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically at high risk from Coronavirus, by supporting them to self-isolate to minimise all interaction with others.

If you received a letter from NHS Scotland saying you have a condition that makes you at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, you’re strongly advised to shield yourself to reduce your chance of getting the virus.

People identified as needing to shield should:

  • not leave their homes
  • minimise all non-essential contact with other members of their household

This is to protect those who are at very high risk of severe illness from Coronavirus (COVID-19) from coming into contact with the virus.

More information about shielding is available here.

If think you should be shielding but have not yet received a letter regarding shielding, then you should contact your GP to confirm whether you should be shielding and, if necessary, arrange for registration with the support service.