I understood that shielding was for 12 weeks from 23rd March, which takes us up until the 15th Jun.
I have since read that it is until the 30th June. Does anyone know the correct date?
Shielding: I understood that shielding... - Lung Conditions C...
Shielding
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snail
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102 Replies
•
Shielding starts on the date you received the notification, so it's different for everyone.
snail• in reply to
Thanks for the reply
Trishe• in reply to
Confusing isn't it.
Correct date is now June 30th, it’s just not been very well publicised. This was confirmed to me by bod’s specialist respiratory team yesterday. I think it’s reasonable to believe that it may be extended beyond that though, too, if nothing changes dramatically somehow between now and mid June.
HungryHufflepuff• in reply to
Hi Charlie. Are you and Small Person still in the hospital for the IV treatment (I think that's what it was for?) I hope it is all going ok and the stay is not too bad in the strange restricted circumstances 🤞
• in reply toHungryHufflepuff
Day 9 today, but almost signed off on my IV administration competencies to potentially finish the course at home from Wednesday, as long as her bloods tomorrow are ok 👀
Have to say, it’s not been anywhere near as ‘bad’ as I was expecting. The primary change day to day has mostly been the PPE and infection control measures; it’s not been perfect with ME, specifically, as a shielder in my own right, but with regards to the staff’s actions towards E? If anyone needs to go to hospital, I would do so being pretty reassured that as long as guidance is being followed, the risk of covid transmission to the patient is low.
HungryHufflepuff• in reply to
It had sounded potentially daunting! I'm glad it's not so bad. It would be great if you can finish the course of IV at home. I hope you get on well with that 😊
• in reply to
I had a letter last week extending it to August! I can’t believe I’m the only one. I was one of the first to get the original shielding text on 23 March so I’m sure everyone will get these “extension” letters soon
snail• in reply to
Thank you for your help
Hacienda• in reply to
I had the same letter on 23rd March for shielding, Nothing Since. Maybe soon, as they must be doing Catch up, Our Postmen still carry on Regardless, Stay safe & well. XXX C.
2greys• in reply to
More or less the same here, I have a letter from the hospital dated 30th April, arrived the 4th May saying "to isolate for 12 weeks from today" which is until August.
If you look at Government site it tells you regardless of the date you received your letter at the moment the date is 30th June. This of course could be amended at a later date.
Trishe• in reply to
I got the text on the 22nd and letter on the 23rd March, it initially said twelve weeks, I've not had anything since to say otherwise. But some on here I think hasn't long had a letter telling her to sheild til the 30th of June. I know it's for our own safety, but it does feel like we are shut at home when everyone else is able to do whatever they like, doesn't feel fair.
Sadly, Trishe, life isn’t fair. The very fact we are in here shows that.
madonbrew• in reply to
Is it actually dated until 23rd of August or does it say for 12 weeks from this date?
• in reply tomadonbrew
See my reply to Daisy 😊
Catnip• in reply to
You aren't on your own... I'm feeling victimised 
Catnip
• in reply toCatnip
See my reply to Daisy 😊
Daisy55• in reply to
I wonder if we will all get them then , as just spoken to people in Cornwall who have had them saying until August too and they were shielded from March .
I'm in Cornwall, but have had that one letter telling me to sheild for 12 weeks, I've had other letters but only the one with the 12 weeks.
Hi Trishe, I have questioned it with AgeUK who are trying to find out if it is a scam , as no one else has issued any updates . Otherwise it would be announced and on the gov. site .
• in reply toDaisy55
I just re-checked & the last letter is from my local hospital & dated 10 May. Otherwise an exact copy of the first, from NHS & dated 21 March. It says I should shield for 12 weeks from 10 May but everywhere else eg gov.uk says until 30 June so I think that’s the correct date. But I don’t work, so will just use my common sense.
JamieDevon• in reply to
I received one too taking me to August hon
Bardear• in reply to
I do hope it is no longer than the 30th June. Perhaps Boris and his "advisors" would consider allowing our "vulnerable" group a "taster" of a little bit of freedom that most other folks seem to have been granted even though some of them may not have respected what was asked of them to do. We are old enough and can be trusted - as our "isolation" has shown - to behave with caution. Surely a gasp of fresh air (some of us do not have a garden or balcony) would be greatly appreciated by one and all. Fingers crossed lol xxxx
I received a second letter advising that is now until 30 June. I fully expect to receive another letter extending this further!
Thank you
Just this minute spoken to my Respiratory Team, They don't Know, so couldn't say what date is Correct. My GP Reception don't know either, Could be for ever at this Rate. Probably Best to carry on with Shielding till 30th June , Then see what happens. take care. XXX C.
Thank you for your advice.
I received notification to sheild on 23rd March and have had nothing since. I intend to carry on indefinitely unless someone officially tells me otherwise.
The way letters have been sent out in dribs and drabs does not make me feel inclined to think that we will all receive new letters but it is still definitely not safe out there.
I was part way through a course of dental treatment when the lockdown started and appointments I had were subsequently cancelled by my dentist. A couple of weeks ago a receptionist from the practice telephoned me and said that they didn't anticipate resuming normal practice before September. Could just be their assessment of things but I wouldn't be suprised if they are right.
I’m in the same position. I’d just had the mould done for dentures (I’ve had to had a lot of teeth removed) and Was due to go for a fitting when this kicked off. 🙄. It makes for fun eating.
My dental treatment wasn't as drastic as yours. Hope you are managing to find enough things to eat easily. I wonder if you will need a new mould when all this eases up. It may be that your gum shape will have changed. Best wishes to you whatever the outcome.
Yes my letter is dated 23rd March. Just have to wait and see!
I feel that we just have to use our best judgement, depending on how at risk we are, and what the figures are for new infections in our area. I would like visitors for the 30th June, as is my birthday, but Covid-19 would be an interesting present.
Yes l suppose just wait and see a bit closer to the time! Thanks for your reply.
I agree with you Sorrelhippo, we have very low numbers here in Cornwall, it may be safe enough to go out down here, after the 12 weeks, but we'll wait and see how many new cases have been diagnosed.
I had another letter at the end of April which said 12 weeks from this letter which takes it up to 27th July. I have no intention of going anywhere with my medical conditions anyway.
I received my NHS letter on 3 April and it was dated 2 April. It told me 12 weeks from then which I believe is 25 June for me.
However I have also heard 30 June being mentioned so I guess this is the new date. Half expect it to be increased until end of July at least but let's hope not.
I have 2 letters lol my first letter would take me to the 16th of june and then second letter 3 weeks later so I have no idea lol I was originally on sick pay but a few weeks ago I recieved a letter from works he dept saying if I agree they would change to furlough pay till 16th june tho I'd tou.read on the govt website it advises till 30th june,but I just go with the flow so to speak it could change at any point
My First Shielding Letter Dated 21st March says 12 weeks, so that would be to 17th June. My Second Letter dated April , 12 weeks to end of July. Are there other letters Coming ? Won't be going anywhere, but my Mental state has changed, not afraid to say, as I have always been in Charge mentally. Stay Safe Everyone. Love. XXX C.
I received my letter 28th April and it said 12 wks from date of later . I also have a friend who got a letter in March and has had another letter recently to extend her shielding to August . They difference might be because the devolved parliaments are dealing with their own countries . Just a thought 🙂
My second letter dated 16th April, so that's to the middle of July. I'm expecting it to be extended
The date is still 30 June. The guidance on shielding is regularly reviewed and updated. The last up date was 18 May and here is link to the current guidance
gov.uk/government/publicati...
One has to remember to keep checking the website for any changes. Alternatively you can subscribe for email alerts as to when new guidance is issued - but warning, these email alerts cover everything (advice to schools, advice to construction workers etc etc ) so the in-box gets swamped with them!
Thank you for the Link, So I now know it will be another 12 weeks taking us to 20th August aprox. Stay safe. XXX C.
Sorry, not sure where you have got that date from . This is what the guidance says "The Government is currently advising people to shield until 30 June 2020"
Hi, Going from the UPDATED new date you have kindly provided in the link "18 May", 12 weeks on would be August. I have passed June date according to my Letters. Stay well. xxx
Hi Hacienda,
The Govt. definitely says the 30th June, at the moment. Confusing as you could read it from the 18th May, when the Govt. updated.
' The Government is currently advising people to shield until 30 June 2020 and is regularly monitoring this position.'
Just copied and pasted the above.
Take care
If you look at the Gov site the update on the 20th May was mainly to say that other conditions had now been added. The Gov site also states that at the moment the date for shielding to finish is 30th June regardless of when the letter was rcd. This date could of course change. We have to keep looking on site.
I too have received an 'extension letter' taking me to August and this has been confirmed by my GP who I trust above anyone
I've heard it has been shifted to 30th June but I have also heard we may need to go beyond that date. I have not been outside my house in two months. Has anyone risked a walk?
No not risked a walk yet. I do take the car out each week but don’t get out of it.
Hi Bronchi1,
I did, but only about a week ago. I went to a very hilly place, where I could see if anyone was nearby or in the location. Found it very nerve wracking, but needed to see if my lung function had decreased further, by not being able to go out. Walking was my principle exercise and always has been.
Tried some govt. videos, tried some lung rehabilitation exercises - they help, when I remember to do them, but not the same as having a walk.
Have had not ill effects from my walk, but it is a bit like Russian Roulette and I did wonder if anything would happen during the following days, but it hasn't.
Unsure if walk was worth it or not, as it created a lot of nerves and tension.
The corona virus reminds me of the Jaws film - you are waiting for it, but don't know where it is - imagination getting carried away!
I had my first walk down the park on Sunday, there were only 2 people down there. It was lovely, everything seemed so green. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My personal thought on our release date should be end of June, we should all have had our letters in March, some people got them later, due to falling through the net, but if I don't hear anything else, Im looking at freedom end of June. Still social distancing. X
Hi. Im in N.Ireland.
I've hardly been out since b4 Christmas due to v frequent chest infections, I hav Bronchiectasis, Asthma, ?probs with immunity (tests stopped bcoz of lockdown) & spent 10 days in induced coma, in ICU Apr 2019 with Pneumonia & Sepsis. Discharged end of Apr. Had only 3 wkd b4 chest infections started again!!
Recd ltr fm GP surgery in Apr, saying 12 wks 'shielding' fm date of ltr = 26 Mar.
Once over my last chest infection in Apr 2020, must admit, I hav been out for odd short walk, early in morn with hubby & dog somewhere v rural, with no one about. My chest clearance v reliant on exercise or cant do it.
Now in 1st stage of emergence fm lock down in NI but for some reason, 1 person now allowed to meet up with 6 people fm diff households, as long as maintain social distance. AND no one here appears 2b wearing face masks etc. So Im too scared to go out now
I heard that yesterday 6 different people if I was u just go for your rural walk if u can grab a mask take it with u on your walk other than that hun I'd stay in keep safe
I have stage 2 copd going round the bend so rang my docs yesterday to ask about going for a walk as I used to walk for an hr everyday before covid I was told on no uncertain terms absolutely not just out in my garden. 😭😭😭
Yes, I've walked most days, but I'm lucky that I live on the edge of the South Downs and the sheep and rabbits are very good at social distancing. I only received my shielding letter three weeks ago and decided it was better for my health physically and mentally to carry on with my walking. This is all about managing risk isn't it. Jo
I had a text from NHS last week telling me to shield till the end of June. Then they started sending a text every day with a variety of advice which they've already given in one form or another. It said it was automated and to type STOP if I wanted them to cease - so I did!
I’ve got no doubt that the shielding time will be extended further, there’s no way we can go out while the virus is so prevalent in society. I’m thinking September.
My surgery told me June 30th. I started at the beginning of the lockdown.
Hiya I got a letter saying an extra 3 months which takes me to August 14th 😔 keep safe everyone
I received letter in March and then another on 7th of May,so that takes me to August,second letter was from severe asthma clinic at hospital.
I do feel like the government haven’t made it very clear at all have they! Would have been so much easier if they announced on news ‘shielding group 21st March until whenever!!!’
The gov.com site&NHS both say 30th June though!
My GP phoned to shielding is in place until the end of June even though I got my official letter in March. Good luck and stay happy after all it cannot rain forever!
I was told the 30th June hun
Hi Snail .. To be honest after reading all of the comments on your post .. some receiving '2nd letters' ... I feel sure that our Government would have updated their website if we are to be locked in until August/September! I had my letter 23rd March which took me to 15th June .. but the website says 30th June! I really think that we 'the high risk group' should be given more information!! I am going with the website date personally!! And I think our MPs should be able to give answers on these 2nd letters going out which personally I think have been sent in error!! So much confusion on this!! Conflicting information!! This isn't doing any of us any good is it?
I have been out to get some fresh air on short walks ... I am lucky to have some open spaces by me and a closed hotel with plenty of grounds opposite me ... but the performance I have to go through to get out and back in again .. I live in a flat with no garden .. so communal entrances to deal with ... and have to disinfect as I leave .. then again when I come home .. but to feel the sun on my face is well worth it!! Stay safe ... sending hugs xxx
Thank you.
2.2 How long will shielding be in place?
We’ve advised individuals with very specific medical conditions to shield until the end of June and to do everything they can to stay at home. This is because we believe they are likely to be at the greatest risk of serious complications from coronavirus.
We know this is challenging guidance to follow, which is why we have a support scheme in place to provide help with access to food and basic supplies, care, medicines and social support.
We are keeping the guidance to shielded people under review.
This is from the government website. I’ve also received 2 letters with different dates but I believe this is the official advice. Personally I will go out when I think it’s safe to do so. I hope this helps
I have recently received a letter from Addenbrook hospital. It said shield until 30th June. My first letter said 15th June, same as you. I won't be surprised if it changes again, depends on so many things.
Hi,
I am also shielding since March 2020; but I am afraid that all of us "shielders" will need to remain locked in our homes indefinitely now, until a vaccine becomes available, or some existing treatment/medicine is found that turns out to reduce symptoms to a bearable level in the meantime.
I hope I am proved wrong, as I missing our small grandchildren so much and our other family members and I am also becoming stir crazy and if they keep me locked up in my home much longer I will end up killing myself, as existing in shielding is no way to live. It;s funny that my liver specialist and my respiratory specialist have spent last two years joyfully telling me that I just need 6 monthly outpatient monitoring(blood tests and ultrasounds), as my status is stable and early stages re cirrhosis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, yet now overnight back in March 2020 they suddenly randomly say I need to be in the shielding group re this virus situation because I am classed as high risk vulnerable all of a sudden???????
Before this shielding I couldn't even get more than a 5 minute chat with my consultants every six months; now they are making me miss my little grandchildren growing up!!!! Indiscriminate and unexplained and unaccountable decisions and madness.
Anyway, this is how I am feeling and part of my opinion. Sorry if I upsetting anyone.
Take Care & Stay Safe
Cuchillo(aged 62).
You're not upsetting me. I'm in a similar situation. As well as severe emphysema l have terminal lung cancer and secondary liver cancer, diagnosed October 2017. I'm well passed my sell by date and on borrowed time. I live on my own in the country. Both my children live 3/4 hours drive away. I haven't seen them or the grandchildren since March 25th. So if shielding is to be extended, l'm wondering if l will ever see them again. Will just have to wait and see l suppose.
Hi snail,
thank you for taking time to read my reply/comments and sending me your kind response/comments.
You certainly have some serious health conditions and challenges. Nevertheless I believe you will see your children and grandchildren again and that will be such good medicine for you.
Without really knowing you personally, I have a feeling you are a strong person and a fighter. So I hope and pray you will do whatever you can to help your body heal itself naturally. If you have access to the internet, perhaps you may wish to take a look at the story of a lady called Felicity Corbin Wheeler, who was diagnosed with terminal end stage Pancreatic Cancer back in 2003, yet she still living quite a full life now in 2020 and trying to help others in terms of first hand research and how our bodies can heal themselves. Just Google/search internet for her name and you should then see several links for you to click on to enable you to see her story and background information etc and what she has to say ,initially motivated by her own health battles back in 2003 and her ongoing commitment to help as many fellow human beings as possible,
Whilst we are all grateful for our NHS and all the wonderful health workers who are commited to treating us, it can be in some ways more impactful, to learn from our fellow human beings who have overcome serious life threatening health issues and walked the walk and who continue to live life, whilst passing on their real stories in the hope that they may be able to give others some help and encouragement and down to earth straightforward information and suggested options for consideration.
I will keep you in my prayers, God Bless You.
Take Care
Cuchillo.
Thank you for your reply. I will certainly have a look at what you've suggested. I think l'm just having a bit of a wobble. Got myself geared up for shielding ending mid-June which is now extended. I will give myself a shake down. Thank you for being so kind.
Hi, not upsetting me either. I feel.exactly the same. I have Asthma and Bronchiectasis. I had been attending a pulmonary rehab class every week on Thursdays for an hour which is great and also did Tai Chi every Friday morning as well as socialising with friends for lunch etc. Now I have been stuck indoors since receiving my letter on 25th March for 12 weeks with the exception of attending a family funeral last week with social distancing. Unable to hug my son, his wife and my four grandkids just broke my heart. I have a back garden I've been able to sit in and get some fresh air which I'm grateful for but get so angry when others have been flaunting the rules. Families from different households partying , barbecues etc. Kids running about the area ! It's my birthday on Monday and I'm going out for a walk ! My treat lol ! Rant over ! Stay safe everyone ! Kate, N. Ireland
Hi Kattria, Thank You For Taking Time To Comment/Reply. Very Kind And Much Appreciated. I Hope And Pray That We Will All Soon Be Able To Spend Time With Our Families And Friends. And Especially Be Able To Play With And Hug Our Grandchildren/Children.
I think alot of us on the shielding list, were previously social distancing responsibly but still going out and about and seeing family etc and attending outpatient review appointments as necessary. Therefore alot of us had been having regular monitoring and our various existing health conditions had been stable or classed as early stage or similar. Then just based solely on names of health conditions, we have been put on a shielding list, that has related advice for us to remain in our homes 24/7 seemingly and possibly indefinitely. I do not think this shielding list and situation has been dealt with fairly. At the very least our GP or Consultant's should be instructed to call each of us and to have an honest and open discussion regarding how our conditions and symptoms are currently and review each one of us based on our responses/feedback and then the shiedling list should then be adjusted/amended appropriately.
Take Care & Stay Safe
Cuchillo
i have recieved a letter from my chest consultant respiratory team stating until 30th of June. but that could be subject to change.
Thanks
things have changed so, there is no precise answer. However not a lot SEEMS to have changed, this was good on 18 May.
in reality theyve said on the daily briefings that those of us shielding will have to continue until theres a vaccine or effective treatment,so could be next year by which time i will probably have gone insane from cabin fever
I believe it is 12 weeks but we have had so much confusion from Government announcements that you may be right. I am of to check!
My breathing was getting steadily worse after being indoors since begining of April. Rang the nurse that I see for my COPD. She told me to go for a walk each day as it's affecting my physical and mental health. . Just don't talk to anyone, meetup with anyone and avoid crowded places . Even after one walk I've noticed a difference. And it gives me a reason to het up and get dressed!
Comes the end of June, I will have shielded from the 21st of March and I intend to go out on a short walk daily, ( which is all I can do anyway using my 3 wheel Pusher and portable Oxygen concentrator) other than that, I intend to stay in isolation and carry out all the other shielding recommendations plus disinfecting everything coming in from the 'outside world' until I have received a vaccine. If no vaccine, then I will stay shielding until I die. I have no intention of getting political, but my trust in the Govt handling of this virus is currently zero, so I'm alert also to their response.
Very best wishes all, stay well and yes stay alert, very alert.
John.
Anyone shielding if they live with their partner or any other person shouldn't they shield as well other wise they could bring the virus to you 😷
I would say that if a letter wasn’t dated, regardless of when it arrived, it is 12 weeks since 23rd March ish which is when the Govt said to stay in. I have had a text since extending this to 30th June and dated letters will say more. I shall look for more info nearer the time.
Then we will just have to agree to differ then. I stand by what I say. My letter from the hospital says until August and that is the bee all and end all. The Gov. can say what they like, it is NOT law and there is no compulsion to follow their dates at all. Freedom of will rules, they cannot make me leave my home or meet people face to face after their date and neither can you. Is that so hard to understand any more than their record on mortality is unforgivable.
I got a letter dated 21st March informing me to remain shielded for at least 12 weeks.
My shielding is down to treatment administered from last September and the drugs needed to help me recover from the illnesses it caused, followed by ongoing steroid treatment, asthma, and another immune system issue.
As of 3 weeks ago, I'm now being given chemotherapy IV's, increased steroids, CSFs to prevent infection and rebuild T cells, B12 injections and Folic Acid.
All administered at home by nurses, and under strict instructions of consultant for both of us not to go out of the house or allow anyone other than medical staff into the house. This will continue for as long as the treatment does, and until he's satisfied that my immune system can cope with any risk from going out.
As a result, the end date of shielding for anyone in my position is open to extension depending on consultants decision.
An MRI was done in the hospital under very strict and careful conditions two days ago, and all our clothes went straight into the washing machine, and we showered as soon as we got back home. Out for an hour for the first time in all those weeks, and we felt really vulnerable.
I think the shielding by its very nature has to be adjustable to suit the individuals involved.
Sorry to hear about your health issues. You will definitely have to follow advice given by your health professionals. Yes l think you're right about shielding being different for individual health issues. I hope things improve for you soon. Best Wishes.
Yes, more to it than a simple set of rules, and I do wish things were simpler - cancer in itself is a big enough thing to deal with, without the complications it can bring too.
Still, illness and related issues are why most of us are here at this site, so it's good that we can exchange experiences and thoughts on these things.
Wish everyone the very best.
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