More than a quarter of extremely vulnerable people in England are still shielding despite official guidance to do so dropping in April, Government data shows.
An Office for National Statistics report published today found 29 per cent of immunosuppressed patients or those with severe underlying health conditions were still following stay at home orders by the end of June.
Strict shielding guidance was issued during the initial lockdown last spring and applied to nearly 4million people in England who were deemed most at risk of dying from Covid, including cancer and heart disease patients.
The advice was dropped on April 1 when the second wave was flattened, infection levels were low and the vast majority of shielders had been invited for their Covid vaccines.
No10 updated its guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people last night to say they should wait three weeks after their second jab before being in 'close contact' with anyone.
The new advice was revealed as Boris Johnson confirmed that remaining lockdown restrictions will be lifted on July 19 'Freedom Day', despite soaring infections.
Charities said it was 'completely unacceptable' that measures were being scrapped in the face of a growing epidemic, leaving vulnerable people 'abandoned and unsafe'.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham dubbed the July 19 date 'Fear Day' for the clinically vulnerable.
More than 90 per cent of extremely clinically vulnerable people in England had received both vaccines last month - yet only a third of them felt safe enough to leave their home in the past week
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham dubbed the July 19 date 'Fear Day' for the clinically vulnerable
The ONS estimated that 65 per cent of shielders were taking personal precautions by the end of last month rather than following the strict shielding guidance issued last year.
A further six per cent were more liberal with their behaviours, according to the report which was based on surveys of more than 1,000 people.
It also found that 55 per cent of clinically vulnerable patients were uncomfortable going to hospitality businesses such as pubs and restaurants, cultural venues such as theatres or cinemas, education settings, and health facilities.
When asked what would help them feel more at ease, 75 per cent said mandated mask wearing at venues and regular cleaning and use of hand sanitiser would encourage them to venture out more.
Enforced social distancing was also a priority for at-risk Britons, with 69 per cent saying it would make them feel safer, with 60 per cent also wanting regular testing of those attending these public places.
