Practices have been warned to expect hundreds of calls from shielding patients amid a report of government intending to end the programme at the end of July.

Ending the programme would mean up to two million people would cease to get free food deliveries – and those shielding would get advice on how to leave their homes. The Health Service Journal report came as it emerged the government has almost abandoned its plans to use a tracking app for contact-tracing – amid evidence of low take-up on the Isle of Wight.

Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said many patients would welcome the chance to get out of their homes – but would have many questions. He said: “It will be a great relief to many shielding patients who have found the process difficult, particularly those who have found it has had a negative impact on their physical and mental health. But some patients will still be anxious about catching the virus and whether it is safe to start going out more, whether for work or otherwise.

“GPs have been at the forefront of identifying patients who have been shielding and answering their questions about the programme. We anticipate that thousands of patients will approach their GPs worried about how the process will change and how it will impact on them, so it is vital that we are given as much clear information as possible, about both the safety and practicalities of any changes, so that we can advise appropriately and hopefully alleviate any concerns.

“Yesterday, I wrote to the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, calling for clarity around the working rights for those who have been advised to shield. This is something our members report patients asking them about, given that shielding patients are not necessarily sick, and therefore not entitled to fit notes.
Whether or not the shielding programme is being suspended, we need to know what to tell our patients up until the point it is – and in the case it is introduced again in the future.”

The planning will be based on continued reductions in cases in the UK. According to the journal a third of English acute hospitals have not recorded a virus death in the last week – although the UK reported a total of 184 deaths yesterday. 11 countries reported more than 100 deaths yesterday, including Sweden, Russia, Pakistan and India with Brazil reporting 1,209 deaths.

Health minister Lord Bethell, speaking to a Parliamentary committee yesterday, said: “One of the things it has taught us is that it is the human contact that is the one most valued by people. And in fact there is a danger of being too technological and relying too much on text and emails and alienating or freaking out people because you’re telling them quite alarming news through quite casual communications.”

A government spokesperson said: “We’ve always said we will be looking at making life easier for those having to shield, when it is safe to do so. We are considering the next steps for the shielding programme beyond the end of June, based on the latest medical and scientific advice. No final decision has yet been made and we will set out more detail shortly.”