Shielding is a measure to protect extremely vulnerable people from contracting coronavirus from others by minimising interaction. NHS England has written to these individuals advising them to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact with anyone other than household members for at least 12 weeks. 

While those living with someone who is shielding do not have to follow the same measures themselves, they should do all they can to support the practice, reduce contact outside the home and adhere to guidance on social distancing. The steps recommended are:

• Minimising spending time in shared spaces, and keeping these parts of the home well ventilated
• Keeping two metres away from the vulnerable person, encouraging them to use a separate bathroom and different beds where possible
• Using different towels for bathing, showering and handwashing
• If sharing a bathroom, making sure it is kept scrupulously clean, or devising a rota for different people to use the facilities and cleaning in between each use
• Encouraging the vulnerable person to eat in their own room, ideally dishwashing their crockery and cutlery after use or washing up and then drying thoroughly by hand, remembering to use a separate tea towel
• All household members should regularly wash their hands, clean frequently-touched surfaces and avoid touching their faces.

It is also important to be vigilant for symptoms that may be suggestive of Covid-19, such as a new continuous cough or fever, and to seek medical help quickly if necessary.