12 week shielding

[Clairebear35]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew if there was any guidance on what will happen to those of us shielding at the end of the 12 weeks?? Are we expected to just go back to normal whilst obviously social distancing?? After being in since March the not knowing makes me a bit nervous.

[twinkly29]

The NHS and government info says it's currently til the end of June and they're keeping it under review. Various people have various theories about what might happen but nothing has been officially announced. Some people seem to have had letters saying it's for "another 12 weeks" - but given the NHS and government haven't yet changed things I'm not sure where the info to do that has come from.

[KnPoa]

I got a text a couple of weeks ago saying my shielding has been extended to 30th June and i will get a letter (still waiting on that!).

[twinkly29 in reply to KnPoa]

Original letters said 12 weeks from the date of the letter. Mine would have taken me to mid June but most letters would take people to later so I suspect they've tried to bring it all in line and also bridge the gap of unknown territory at the beginning of June when schools may or may not be back.

[Definitelynotjeff]

gov.uk/government/publicati...

"Those in the clinically extremely vulnerable cohort will continue to be advised to shield themselves for some time yet"

"The guidance on shielding and vulnerability will be kept under review as the UK moves through the phases of the Government’s strategy. It is likely that the Government will continue to advise people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to shield beyond June. Whilst shielding is important to protect individuals from the risk of COVID-19 infection, the Government recognises that it is challenging for people’s wider wellbeing. The Government will review carefully the effect on shielded individuals, the services they have had, and what next steps are appropriate.

For those who need to shield for a longer period, the Government will review the scale and scope of their needs and how the support programme can best meet these. The Government will also consider guidance for others who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 and how it can support people to understand their risk."

Saying that "those who need to shield for longer" makes it sound to me like they will be removing the shielding advice for some.

But who knows what will happen.

[Hidden]

In the recent 50 page follow up document giving substance to the PM's address to the nation says it is likely that the shielding advice will be extended. It doesn't expand on this or give any time scale. The document is on the governments website. I recommend reading it if you struggle to 😴 its very effective used that way. 😊

[doonhamer1967]

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has said everyone who is shielding will be contacted before the 12 week period runs out to set out the future plans. She said the Scottish Government is looking at ways to give us some more freedom whilst still being protected. I look forward to the details.

[Birthday60]

I had a phone conversation with my respiratory consultant and asked this exact question! - she confirmed it was 100% OK for me to continue with my walking - usually around 5-10k daily as we live in the country and have great hills around us. She also thought that the shielding group will probably be confined to home until at least the end of August!!!

[grimley517 in reply to Birthday60]

I asked my consultant the same thing, and was told that walking or cycling outside is good. But that I should stay well away from others. In particular no shops, and avoid the popular “dog walking“ parks. Whilst still limiting it’s been great for my mental wellbeing (and waistline).

I guess my advice is to do like Birthday says and ask.

[Birthday60 in reply to grimley517]

Agreed - walking and exercising is essential to maintain peak flow - we are in a very rural area so no shops within 5 miles so no temptation - usually walk around 8am to avoid the leisure walkers - just see dog walkers . Everyone is very polite around here and there is a lot of dodging off footpaths....

[JJ94]

Hi don’t go back to normal continue either the shielding. If you’re that vulnerable you extend the time. I have a friend who’s just finishing hers and this is what her GP told her.

[Abc64]

I haven’t had any texts since the beginning of April. I was gearing up to going to work in a couple of weeks until someone told me to look on the government website. I have now decided to get daily updates on everything coved related, so that I can keep up to date with everything. I don’t know why the texts have stopped. I used to rely on them telling me what I needed to know. I would like them to start again, but I don’t know how to do this. My gp practice don’t know either.