No there are two categories.i thought both the over 70s and the high risk category were both supposed to be shielding thats why i look after all my neighbours who are in their 80s as their children and grandchhildren live hours away and because i want to obviously.
Clinically extremely vulnerable - ie those with specific medical conditions that will have received a letter stating that should shield for the 12 weeks.
Clinically vulnerable - this includes over 70’s, pregnant, asthmatic (not severe), diabetes etc. These categories are advised to socially distance as much as possible.
Alot of people in the clinically vulnerable category have decided to completely shield for their safety, which is fair enough. My Grandad is almost 90 and hasn’t left his home/garden since lockdown not even for a walk as we all told him due to his age we wanted him to shield - although he has not had a letter we just don’t want to take any risk!