Extending Lockdown for those with severe asthma

[B_Asthma]

I am hearing rumours people with severe astham are receiving letters to self-isolate until end of August. Anyone is this group receiving the letter stating to further isolate?

[twinkly29]

For those in England who received shielding letters (and not everyone who received a letter has severe asthma - they're just considered to be at higher risk of complications, possibly because their asthma isn't well-controlled; severe asthma itself is a particular kind of asthma).....official advice still runs until the end of June. This is apparently being reviewed this week. Some people seemingly have been told to extend this but this hasn't come from the government at the moment.

Those in Wales HAVE been told officially to extend shielding until August but their shielding is more relaxed than in England anyway so, to me, it seems a longer but less restricted approach.

[B_Asthma in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you, it suggests what I am hearing is from Wales.

In regards to shielding, I know there has been a lot of confusion for people with severe asthma with some being told they are off of the list. Furthermore, I do realise shieleding covers more than just severe asthma but my question specfically relates to severe asthma due to the mixed messaging that is being given.

[twinkly29 in reply to B_Asthma]

Sorry, I thought you probably realised that, it was more a general point for others reading as so many people with shielding letters seem to think they now have severe asthma 🙈.

You're right some people in England did get those texts a couple of weeks ago - I have no idea what happened there and it didn't seem particularly widespread (just my perception so could be wrong). I think I read it was linked to when GPs were supposed to review patient lists in April, adding anyone needing to shield (as only the very obvious were added directly by the NHS but of course many others needed to be doing it too) and taking off anyone added initially by the NHS who wasn't in that category. But, if that was the case, for the texts not to appear til end of May/beginning of June is a bit weird - and the total lack of explanation was just wrong. So who knows what actually happened.

I'm still holding out for a well thought-out plan this week from the government that sounds reassuring and convincing with decisions based on medical evidence regarding who needs to be doing what.....I suspect that might not happen! 😅

[gillbee in reply to twinkly29]

My GP surgery has refused to give me a shielding letter saying it’s not up to them. However my Respiratory Consultant has sent me a shielding letter he has dictated to give to employers and grocery stores

[MrsCMK in reply to twinkly29]

I was surprised to receive my letter from the Welsh Government last Wednesday advising me to extend my shielding period until August 16th. It came just after guidelines had been relaxed for those shielding.

The do’s are to leave the house as much as we like for exercise; we can see friends/family but must do so in an outdoor area and keep 3m away from others.

The don’ts are to not go in other peoples houses, do not go to public places (ie shops, pharmacies, supermarkets etc) and don’t attend any gatherings.

I doubt I’ll make it until August 16th without breaking those rules because I’ve been super strict the entire time and I’ve completely lost my marbles. Shielding is not something that I’m enjoying at all 😩

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Shielding extension letters (regardless of reason for shielding) has very much been location based I think, so severe asthmatics in the list to shield in Wales and Scotland should have received them. Those in Scotland have/are receiving letters extending them til the end of July, whereas those in Wales have been extended til the end of August. They still haven’t announced what shielders in England and NI, so atm its ending at the end of June, however there should be an announcement at some point this week about it (they are reviewing shielders this week apparently).

I hope that helps explain why some people have got letters and others haven’t.

[B_Asthma in reply to EmmaF91]

thank you. it helps to explain the differences.

[Definitelynotjeff]

Reports today are that shielding in England will stop at the end of July.

theguardian.com/uk-news/202...

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to Definitelynotjeff]

Hi

Yes... I saw the article too..but thanks for posting.

Finally a bit of pressure to make some decisions! Let’s hope they are well thought out and explained..🤞🤞🤞

Take care 😊

[Nanny4sprogletd]

I was told that we would be getting a letter this week from the government. I feel as if we are t forgotten about at the moment. Have just been diagnosed with infective bronchiostasis which is making asthma more difficult to control at the moment so I am being extra careful.