LIFTING all Covid rules from next week could strip the country’s most vulnerable people and their carers of their freedoms, charities have warned.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed this week that remaining restrictions, including compulsory mask-wearing indoors and social distancing, will be dropped from next Monday. 

But disability charities have accused the government of abandoning the 3.7 million people classed as clinically vulnerable who face being forced out of public spaces over fears for their health. 

They have also expressed frustration at new guidance that advises people in this group to avoid meeting up with unvaccinated people when restrictions are lifted. 

Those most at risk of serious illness from the virus should continue to meet outdoors, according to the guidance, and go to shops at “quieter times of the day.” 

Independent Age expert Dr Zubaida Haque told an emergency press conference after the announcement that vulnerable groups will be “forced to imprison” themselves as a result of the reopening. 

Criticising suggestions by the PM that clinically vulnerable people should shield more, she asked: “How can they shield if their children are not in the vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable group?”

Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) founder Linda Burnip said: “Many disabled people who have shielded for over 18 months are now frightened that they will have to continue shielding for the foreseeable future as they will now have even less protection than previously. 

“DPAC are particularly concerned for disabled workers who may be forced back into unsafe work places with no protection. 

“Johnson says that we have to rely on people having common sense — but following the shocking behaviour of some [football] fans last Sunday it seems unlikely this will be enough to ensure people’s safety.”

Disability campaigners have also raised concerns about government moves to strip support while vulnerable people will still be forced to self-isolate. 

Scope head of policy and campaigns Louise Rubin said: “The Prime Minister himself has said the pandemic is not over. Why has the government taken away vital support?

“Those most at risk have no concrete or consistent protections at work. Supermarket priority slots have been taken away. Furlough is due to come to an end.

“This guidance is essentially asking people to shield without offering even the minimal support which has been available throughout the pandemic.”