Asthma UK's update (following the Gov... - Asthma Community ...

Asthma Community Forum

22,428 members•24,828 posts

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

twinkly29 profile image
twinkly29
•7 Replies

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.

Written by
twinkly29 profile image
twinkly29
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
•
CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16

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

twinkly29 profile image
twinkly29• in reply toCDPO16

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 profile image
CDPO16• in reply totwinkly29

Tis! Thanks again x

Blue-Breeze profile image
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 profile image
twinkly29• in reply toBlue-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 profile image
Blue-Breeze• in reply totwinkly29

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 profile image
twinkly29• in reply toBlue-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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Another Shielding Update from AUK

So I know a lot of us will have seen the sudden appearance of the news that those of us who are...
Js706 profile image
•

Asthma UK's update on "no longer needing to shield" texts

Copied from Asthma UK's Facebook page: "We’ve been urgently trying to find out more information...
twinkly29 profile image
•

Updated Asthma UK shielding advice

Apologies if anyone else has mentioned this already. My inhaler and dosage level were in the Asthma...
mjrminor profile image
•

Brittle Asthma, Returning to work after shielding

Hi everyone Im new to this forum and wanted get some advice from people that understand and are...
Wheezy26 profile image
•

Saw this today if it helps anyone

Asthma UK website link...
LDloveslattecoffe profile image
•

Moderation team

See all
Homely2 profile image
Homely2Administrator
Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministrator
ALUK_Nurses profile image
ALUK_NursesAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.