THE health minister for Wales has given clarity on why those who are shielding can have confidence in what the Welsh Government’s rule relaxations mean for them.

Confusion over the permittance for those in the high-risk category has been expressed after rules were relaxed in Wales following the latest review of the Welsh Government’s approach to tackling COVID-19.

Those who have been instructed to shield from the virus were issued with a letter by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Wales saying they were advised to keep safe at all costs until June 15 at the latest.

But, a fortnight ahead of this date, those people have now been told they are allowed to leave home for exercise and can also meet with one other household – permitting social distance rules are met.

Clarity was given at the daily press conference, held with health minister Vaughan Gething, over what people should do and how that decision was made to gradually ease the restriction on our vulnerable communities.

Responding to the Leader’s question, the minister said: “The advice is endorsed by the CMO for Wales so he has confirmed his support for the change to shielded people and we would not have made that decision to change that advice without consulting him in any event.

“The CMO will be writing to people and those letters will start to go out over the next week or so about the long-term future for those who are shielding.”

The inister was keen to stress that social distancing rules must still apply for those who are shielding if they choose to partake in these eased restrictions – but must continue to avoid leaving the house for work if it is not possible to work remotely and seek delivery of shopping where it is able.

Mr Gething added that all of the support for food and medicine delivery services remain in place across the country and will continue to do so for as long as necessary to keep people as safe as possible.