Rob Burley, Director of Campaigns, Care and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:
“The situation around shielding for people living with a muscle-wasting condition is already confusing. Not everyone with one of these rare conditions is classed as extremely clinically vulnerable, but many who are have struggled to have this confirmed. As a result, people have contacted us about issues such as being asked back to work by their employers when this would not be safe.
“Lockdown has been a stressful time for many families living with muscle-wasting conditions who are shielding. While some will welcome the new guidance, we are now faced with further confusion about why the advice has changed so suddenly when only a few weeks ago the Government’s recovery strategy said shielding would have to remain in place for a further period.
“We look forward to further clarification and more detail so we can support our community to make informed decisions about what they can and cannot do.”