So I know a lot of us will have seen the sudden appearance of the news that those of us who are shielding can begin to leave the house once a day from Monday.
Asthma UK posted a really helpful update this morning summarising this and apparently the next shielding update will happen on the week commencing June 15th and the government will be writing to everyone on the shielding list with more information about next steps after that 😊
“On 31st May, the shielding guidelines in England were eased slightly. People who have been advised to shield can start taking steps to spend time safely outdoors. The new guidelines say that you can:
go outside once a day with members of your household
or, if you’re living alone, with one other person from a different household. It’s advised that this is the same person each time.
Strict social distancing, including staying at least two metres apart from others, is still key. People who are shielding should still avoid all non-essential face to face contact, including going to supermarkets or pharmacies. The support for shielded people remains in place.
The change in advice is based on evidence that the risk of catching COVID-19 is now lower than it was earlier in the pandemic. Transmission has also been shown to be lower outside.
Going outside isn’t mandatory and if you don’t feel comfortable going outside, there’s no reason to do so. It might help to discuss the decision with your GP or hospital clinician.
The government says it will now regularly assess whether it is possible for the shielding guidance to be eased further, based on the latest scientific advice. The next review will take place on the week commencing 15 June, and the government will then write to everyone on the shielded patient list with information about the next steps of the shielding advice and the support available to them.”
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Js706
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I think the 10 weeks refers to the fact sheilding started 10 weeks ago. More news to follow week commencing the 15th June
I am really pleased with this news and as I live in the country have been going out for a daily walk already with my dog as rarely see anyone. Will welcome the chance to see a family member. However the timely seems very odd to me and almost like a knee jerk reaction to charities appealing to the government on friday not to forget us. I really hope they set out a detailed plan for shielding people soon , its says the 15th June I personally feel this is a little late but do welcome it. I also hope there will plans put in place to risk assess individuals and take into account their feelings as shielding is very hard mentally and takes its toll and they will not just treat us all the same.
I assume they’re just planning to send out more info then as that’s when shielding was originally due to end for the first letters that went out.
But who knows at this point! Really I don’t mind what they decide now but I’d just like some explanation of the reasoning behind it rather than random press releases at 10pm on a Saturday night!
Thanks for sharing this Js706. The Asthma UK info is much better than the BBC article - gives sensible advice! I imagine more info will be given at today's briefing (well....maybe....😅).
sounds like they're going to downgrade some cancer and asthma people.
"Openshaw said that “huge studies” appear to have revealed that people who have recovered from cancer five years ago and are now well are “relatively” safe from the virus.
He added that the same goes for people with asthma, unless they are on oral steroids.
“I think we are going to be able to fine tune the guidance now. I think that is really good news,” he said."
Those not on continuous or very regular oral steroids (ie not the "well I've just had a course!" alarmist posts) haven't been on shielding lists for many weeks now so in theory they "should" be downgraded if they're not at risk in the same way. But still be nice for people who are to be allowed out to safe places 😃
but i think it would be wrong of them to have such a black and white approach to shielding = taking x medication.
i'm not on steroid tablets but i've had pneumonia twice (last one was 6 months ago) and i've been in intensive care with it. so while my asthma isn't bad enough for steroid pills, another bad pneumonia will almost certainly put me back in icu.
so hopefully they're not just looking at the government guidance and doing a literal application of it.
But in terms of asthma they may well be. Pneumonia isn't a guarantee, I've had it a couple of times but it doesn't mean I'll get it again. The difference is ongoing respiratory condition and a particular level of control....and standalone illnesses.
I understand it must be worrying though. All I can suggest is to see what happens and then discuss concerns with your GP.
I personally think the medication bit is a bit wrong to, I am on the sheilding list probably cause I have very frequent course or pred. I've also had pneumonia a few times. I however have decided to try and carry on as normal can't don't sheilding anymore.
I think the shielders who will be under most pressure are those who are employed or self employed. Even my friends who are able to work from home, but who aren't shielding, are very worried that they will be asked to return to the workplace too early. There just seems to be too much lobbying from the business sector to relax too many rules too soon.
It's been reported that the US government has scrapped all regulations for businesses that would hold back their economic recovery - that's all employment rights, including health and safety. Hopefully the UK government won't be copying this attitude.
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