Asthma UK's update (following the Government's shielding update 😅)

[twinkly29]

Taken from Asthma UK:

From 6 July, those shielding will be allowed to meet in groups of up to 6 people outside, including those from different households, while maintaining strict social distancing. People shielding will no longer need to observe social distancing with other members of their household. People shielding will also be able to form a support bubble, if they are in a single adult household.

It has been announced that shielding guidance will be lifted altogether in England and Northern Ireland from the end of July. From 1 August, people who are currently shielding should adopt strict social distancing measures instead.

We realise that for some people the pausing of shielding will be welcome news, while others will be understandably anxious. We’ll continue to make sure the voices of our supporters are heard so they get the support they need.

From 1 August, food and medicine boxes from the National Shielding Service will stop. However, people who were on the shielding list will still be able to benefit from priority supermarket slots, services provided by NHS Volunteer Responders and other local volunteer groups.

From 1 August, people shielding can go into work, if they cannot work from home, but only if their workplace is COVID-safe and they can keep a safe distance from others.

Everyone who is currently on the shielding list in England and Northern Ireland will receive a letter outlining these new changes. People on the shielding list might be advised to shield again if there is an increase in coronavirus cases.

This relaxation allows people who have been shielding to see more people, enjoy the summer and be more active – this is important as we all move towards normality, and for this group to boost their physical and mental fitness. However, shielding is a personal decision and we encourage anyone with concerns to speak to a healthcare professional about what is right for them.

People shielding should remain cautious, as you are still at risk of becoming severely ill if you catch coronavirus. The advice will be to stay at home as much as possible, and to strictly follow social distancing guidance when you do go out.

The decision to go outside is yours. If you do decide to go out, for now, the best ways to protect yourself are to:

• keep the number of visits outside to a minimum (the government recommends once per day)

• go on your own, or with members of your household. If you live alone, you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household (this should ideally be the same person each time)

• go outside when there are fewer people around, such as early in the morning

• ideally spend time in open areas

• always keep a distance of 2 metres from other people

• take particular care to minimise contact with other people

• do not share or exchange personal belongings (such as cups) with other people

• avoid going into enclosed spaces, as well as shops and other buildings

• spend as long as you feel comfortable outside.

To help you to get used to being outside more you may want to try short trips outside or spend time in the company of friends, relatives or neighbours.

If you would prefer not to go outside, try spending time with the windows open, to let in fresh air and get some natural sunlight.

The support bubble plan for people in England and Northern Ireland does not currently apply to people shielding, or those who live with them. The extended household plan in Scotland does not apply to people shielding.

[CDPO16]

A very comprehensive rundown of the latest update, twinkly. Thank you.

[twinkly29 in reply to CDPO16]

I just stole it from Asthma UK 😂 but it's often easier to see the whole lot than to have to click links and so on!

[CDPO16 in reply to twinkly29]

Tis! Thanks again x

[Blue-Breeze]

This seems like a big step from out once a day. I just hope GP surgeries will be open soon for support in seeing patience 's. It been a worry being triaged over the phone.

Looking forward to my letter.

[twinkly29 in reply to Blue-Breeze]

Well from the 6th July people can go out more than once and meet up to 6 people outside. That doesn't have to be in one step. One could do it gradually between then and August which is what they encouraged.

[Blue-Breeze in reply to twinkly29]

I saw the report. Date on my calendar in red. I've encountered the oh so unsocial walk right at you today. At one point laughingly I almost ended up bushes. People just passing each other like a day out in the sun.

[twinkly29 in reply to Blue-Breeze]

Other people are used to it now though, they forget. Honestly I think passing someone in the street is minimal risk. It's not spending 20 mins opposite them. Various friends have gone to quiet places to walk or run if busy right by home. Or at quiet times of day. Because they feel safer. But not doing it then makes it a bigger thing. Those confident now will be the ones who were scared by it at the end of March when we were all shut in.