The government has updated its Covid guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and living in a newly implemented Tier 4 area. The updated guidance advises that people who fall into both of these categories should begin shielding again, and that they do not have to go into work if they cannot work from home. The advice also stipulates that they should not go out to shops or pharmacies. Children who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable and living in Tier 4 areas are advised not to attend classes, although schools are currently broken up for the Christmas holidays. Support bubbles can still be formed and people can meet within them in Tier 4 areas. How to tell if you’re affected Currently, London, Kent and Medway, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey (excluding Waverley), Hastings and Rother, Havant, Gosport and Portsmouth, Hertfordshire, Essex (excluding Tendring, Uttlesford and Colchester), Central Bedfordshire, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, and Peterborough are all in Tier 4. Letters are being sent out to all those affected by the new guidance later this week, although these are expected to be delayed due to Christmas. Those who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, but live in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 should still go to work if they cannot work from home and do not need to shield, according to government advice. Gov.uk says, “In the future, the government will only reintroduce formal shielding advice in the very worst affected local areas and for a limited period of time. Currently, this only applies to those areas placed into Tier 4 on 20 December.” Who classes as being clinically extremely vulnerable? Those with the following conditions are automatically deemed clinically extremely vulnerable: