DESPITE an increase in coronavirus cases across Wales, advice for those shielding has not changed, Welsh Government confirm.

Back in March, thousands of extremely vulnerable people were asked to shield themselves away in a bid to protect them from the threat of coronavirus.

However, despite the rise in new cases, and local lockdown restrictions set to be introduced from 6pm October 1, the advice remains the same.

Those who previously were asked to shield do not need to do so again as this could cause more harm than good.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have seen an increase in coronavirus overall across Wales but at this time, our specific advice to people in the shielding population has not changed.

“When we initially advised people who are extremely vulnerable to take shielding measures at the start of the pandemic, the position was very different – there were no measures in any sector of society to reduce the spread of the virus and no rules or regulations in place. Now, with consistent measures in place, asking people to shield at home again is not the best option at this point in time as it could cause more harm to people’s mental and physical health.

“The advice for the shielded population is the same for everyone – keep contacts with other people to a minimum, keep a 2m distance from others, wash hands regularly, wear a face covering where required and avoid touching surfaces others have touched, wherever possible.”