Shielding

[Mark-f]

Morning all

I’m in the CEV group and still shielding, as it stands my most recent letter/guidance Ends on 21st February..

I wonder how many think this will be extended pat this date ?

[Hidden]

I think they will but they will probably leave it to the last minute as usual. Personally I'm not worried as my work has furloughed me to the end of April which is a relief.

Are you worried about going back to work?

[Mark-f in reply to Hidden]

Hi , yeh .... that’s the issue really , I’m also furloughed but as it currently stands I’m due back to work on the 21st of February. I’m just hoping we receive some kind of update before then ??

[Hidden in reply to Mark-f]

I know how you feel. When the government said to shield last time I asked my company and they said they didn't have a policy, I would have to wait for a decision. I'm mobile and some of the places they sent me had confirmed covid. I agree with Lystista it will probay be a long as the lockdown lasts.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Previously it's lasted at least as long as full national lockdown so I would expect it to be extended. I think schools will be first to reopen this time but I don't know if that counts as coming out of full lockdown. I don't have kids so now can't remember, but I think schools were open in November but there was still shielding? No idea what this means for anyone who actually works in one though.

Anyone's guess really but I'm going to take a punt on shielding lasting until more things start opening up (possibly beyond schools). I would take a guess that if it starts being regional again and tier-based then if for example you were in Tier 3 shielding might be stopped, but who knows.

[Mark-f in reply to Lysistrata]

Hi ... I’m kinda assuming the same but my employer is expecting me back on 21st February as per current shielding guidance.. I’m still waiting to hear about having the vaccine ???My towns vaccine hub has been closed over a week because it has no vaccine and has no idea when it will be receiving a fresh delivery!!!

It’s all a bit mad .....

Mark

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Mark-f]

Ugh - current guidance is to shield even after you have it while shielding is in place too, so they shouldn't be able to say well come back after you have the jab if shielding is still in place.

Hope you manage to get the vaccine soon - it does seem very variable across different areas.

Can you point out to your employer that lockdown will not be ending on 21st Feb or anywhere near it, so can they hold off expecting you back until you have more info? Someone else may know more about how to handle this - I'm lucky to be self-employed and able to wfh but I know others have had this issue.

[Wanttobehapppy in reply to Lysistrata]

I’m hoping to be back on the 21st, I can’t go on with 80% pay for much longer, but it does depend on the government to decide what further action it will take, work won’t let me back, I’m unable to work from home, I’ve had the first dose off the vaccine for what it’s worth.

[Mark-f in reply to Wanttobehapppy]

It’s tough . I’m the same 80% since last March, and apart from a few months (August -October) I’ve been shielded .. but my employer is the complete opposite, if I don’t receive proof from the government about shielding being extended past 21st February,they will insist I go back .. and my worry is I may not of received the vaccine !

[Wanttobehapppy in reply to Mark-f]

It’s difficult, I hope you get the vaccine soon

[Duckface]

Hi . I'm in the same boat , work expecting me back on the 21st unless shielding extended. I think Wales have extended shielding until end of March but theirs was supposed to end on 7th February. Its all very stressful , I have had my first jab because I work in health care which hopefully will give me some protection if we have to go back on 21st. Stay safe and hope you get your jab soon .