(Adds dropped word in first paragraph)
LONDON, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Most clinically vulnerable people
in England are to be told to take extra precautions as the
number of coronavirus cases rises rather than being ordered to
stay at home as they were during the first wave of the
coronavirus pandemic.
More than two million people suffering from conditions such
as cancer, asthma and arthritis spent months shielding at home
earlier this year.
The government's new guidance on Tuesday is that only
clinically vulnerable people living in "exceptionally high-risk
areas" may need to stay at home, not go to work or school, and
to avoid mixing with other households.
"Today’s announcement will mean every person most at risk
from serious outcomes from the virus will have specific advice
targeted to local levels, which they can follow to keep
themselves as safe as possible, while ensuring they can also
keep as much normality in their lives as possible," said Matt
Hancock, the health minister.
(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; editing by Michael Holden)