Shielding pausing

[ALUK_Nurses]

We understand that lots of you who are shielding may be feeling really worried about the guidance pausing, and for many it will feel very difficult to go back to work after weeks at home. We wanted to share what the advice is across the UK and where you can find support.

In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, shielding will be paused after the end of the month. From 1 August onwards, the guidance is to adhere to strict social distancing – like the ‘clinically vulnerable’ group follow. This means you can go into work if you cannot work from home. However, this should only be done if your workplace is ‘COVID-secure’ and you can keep a safe distance from others. Read about what a COVID-secure workplace should look like here hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/work...

In Wales, shielding will be paused from 16 August, and everyone on the list should get a letter to explain this. From this date, you should be able to return to work, but only if you can’t work from home. Your employer should support you to transition back into work safely.

Social distancing remains important so you should keep your distance if you are going out and about, continue with regular hand-washing, and wear a face covering in enclosed public places if you can.

The relaxation and pausing of shielding guidance allows people who have been shielding to see more people, enjoy the summer and be more active. However, shielding is a personal decision and if you have concerns, we’d encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional about what is right for you.

We are working with the government to get more clarity on what to do if you don’t think your workplace is safe. Our website continues to be updated with the latest information asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

[Shezxx]

im really worried about this im already on the rota for saturday and not even spoken to anyone from work about it yet seems a bit strange to start work on a saturday? any advice ?

[ALUK_Nurses Partner Administrator ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to Shezxx]

Hi Shezxx, you do need to speak to your employer (possibly your GP aswell), prior to going back to make sure the correct measures are in place and that it's COVID-secure

[WindsweptRissa]

I’m completely baffled. I’m in shielding category (Scotland) but when I checked out the risk assessment tools, due to being a slim, white, female, 47 and no other health conditions I’m either in low risk category (with 3 points for sever asthma) or just in the moderate risk category if you count small airways disease as a separate additional chronic respiratory condition. So I’m in the shielding group (and therefore could be asked to shield again) but also in the low risk category. I work as supervisory assistant in a primary school and I’m also a youth worker and have no idea how I’m supposed to stay 2 m away from the children in either of those positions.

[ALUK_Nurses Partner Administrator ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to WindsweptRissa]

Hi there, it sounds like you need to get some clarity from your GP, and speak to your employer too. ACAS and The Health and Safety Executive are also useful resources to look at or to contact for advice on employment issues.