Growing group of 2.5 million people told they are likely to have to stay in ‘beyond June’.
Ministers are facing calls to end the limbo of “indefinite” isolation for 2.5 million people shielding from coronavirus, amid claims that the numbers added to the “extremely vulnerable” list have doubled in some areas in the last week.
Labour said it was “deeply alarming” that hundreds of thousands more people had been added to the list of those required to isolate indoors over the last seven weeks, suggesting they were put at risk unnecessarily by initially being missed off.
The opposition also called for clarity on how long they would have to put their lives on hold, as government sources said a review of the “extremely clinically vulnerable” status was likely to conclude that many in that group would have to continue to isolate over the summer months.
I was sort of expecting this to go on throughout the summer. I there are too many cases in the community to be safe just yet. I’m also expecting the number of cases to go up, rather than down as restrictions are eased.
When I look at the charts, we seem to be in a similar position as when we went into lockdown. Of course there is far more testing done now than there was then, so the charts are probably not giving a good comparison of this.
I think a few of us have expected the shielding advice to get extended. My concern is that after the summer has gone and more people get cooped up indoors without adequate ventilation because of bad weather, there maybe an explosion of infections once again, a second wave and extended shielding yet again. By which time, a lot of shielded people will be so fed up with the isolation that they will start to take chances among that second wave of infections.
Too true, 2 greys. I think things have been a bit easier because we have had such good weather and people have been able to spend time outdoors. Once the bad weather sets in and the pubs are open, it could easily be a different story.
Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that by the time that comes, all countries are virus free.
Thank you 2greys it would help us shielding to get to choose what we can do I am sure most of us would do very little but I think it is the choice that matters.
There is a choice, shielding is advice only, the shielded can do as they wish if they are prepared to take the gamble with their lives and possibly their loved ones as well.
opposition hasn't yet got it right either: - its mad these politics and politicians
You are right, none of the politicians are medically qualified, they are all blundering from one madcap policy to another without giving any real thought as to their consequences, and yesterday Matt Hancock actually laughed on TV at the question as whether the contact tracing had been brought forward to bury the Cumming's affair, later it was revealed it would not be working properly until the end of June. Video:
I must admit Patsy apart from the illness in January I have been a lot healthier since being in isolation I shall definitely be doing this during each winter I think, home deliveries not being in physical contact with others etc.
I'm just trying to figure at what point am I going to allow the repair man in to fix the back up heater.
Me too, Bkin. We had a shower leak just before lockdown. The leak was repaired but to fix it they had to cut a hole in the kitchen ceiling and another in the dining room. I’ve taped cardboard over for now, but the one in the kitchen keeps dropping off. I suppose Icould always stop cooking!
oh dear that's a problem Troilus, well it is the weather for salad and BBQs. Although BBQ could be a problem with the smoke. Outdoor camping stove maybe. Amazon I've discovered do some very nice goodies to add to the store cupboard
I am in the same boat I like the online shopping and will carry it on when we get some sort normality. I am ok in my own four walls. Would like to go around my families gardens but they will be coming to mine so I guess I am sorted for now. I stay in all winter but normally go out a bit in the summer which is all down to how I’m feeling. Maybe things will be better in September Bkin by which time you could be needing that heater repaired.
keeping fingers crossed for end of summer for a few outings before shielding again. I have found that avoiding any public transport from September through to May because of the risks with bugs, will we all become little buddhas do you think
Hi patsy yes I’m loving having a friend over for garden lunches and probably will never go in a supermarket again. Haven’t gone without anything, shopping online🙂
I believe it is common sense really and it really does look like that many of us will not be able to go out unless a vaccine is found ?The option we have is take the risk or wait I
Ive been shielding since Feb and am totally fed up and depressed do I want to go on with never maybe being close with my family x
We're in trouble according the BBC breakfast with 2nd wave - some scientists are against lifting the lockdown for fear of 2nd wave. ~WHO and London hospital 50 mins in 0659am;
Let’s be honest the government haven’t got a clue they just make things up as they go along and announce major policy changes depending on what other distractions they want to get off the front pages of the papers.
How does it make sense that folks with some lung diseases were only added to the list at the end of April when the disease was rampant in March and early April with nearly 1000 deaths a day by mid April? Things just don’t make sense for me personally as it was ok for me to work 5 miles from the hotspot of corona in the uk in London in mid March but now at the end of May I am forbidden to go for a walk outside in the rural area I live in, although this morning that is apparently changing from Monday.
I think you have to use you own instinct and interpretation with what the government says and it will be interesting to see if there is a spike in the coming weeks with the easing of these measures.
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I shall definitely be doing this during each winter I think, home deliveries not being in physical contact with others etc. 
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