Shielding advice for very high-risk groups

[Claire_ALUK]

You might have seen in the news about the local COVID-19 alerts being introduced in England. They outline what precautions everyone should be taking and include further advice for those in the shielding group. We’ve updated our website with the guidance asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

The three local alert levels are medium, high and very high, and include different measures on where you can meet people outside your household, reducing travel and ways to get support. We encourage you to check what the alert is where you live or work and follow the rules closely.

The government has said that none of the alert levels will automatically result in those who shielded before being asked to shield again. Instead, those in a very high-risk area could be advised to do so if necessary. You’ll know if this happens because you should receive a letter in the post.

Depending on your experience of shielding and your personal circumstances, you might be pleased or disappointed that full shielding measures aren’t being reintroduced for everyone at this stage. We know many of you found staying indoors for so long incredibly tough on your mental and physical health, while others found the support such as food parcels vital at the time. We also know that some of you may still be shielding by choice or because you’ve received specific advice from your doctor.

Because of the rise in coronavirus cases in parts of the country, we understand that this is a very anxious time. The situation is changing very quickly but we want to reassure you that we’re continuing to raise the issues you are having with the relevant authorities to get more clarity. This includes calling for answers to how people who cannot work from home can have their income protected if they are advised not to go into work.

If you’ve got any concerns about the new guidance, we’d encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional about what is right for you.

[Wheezy26]

I have this problem at the moment, where I live had gone up to very high, I’ve had to shield since March because can’t social distance in my job or be Covid secure and they won’t put any additional adjustments in place. Now we have gone to very high I’m stressed how I will support my income with bills, food, wedding to save for, car and rent... it makes a hard and stressful time even more stressful and upsetting. Not entitled to any income support ect as my partner works. It’s such a difficult time and the stress and worry triggers the asthma off again x

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to Wheezy26]

Hi Wheezy26,

We’re concerned that the local COVID guidance falls short of the practical and financial support some people may need. We’re part of a big group of charities calling on the government to rethink its plan for people most vulnerable to COVID-19 in England.

Under the three-tier local alert system, the guidance only says extremely vulnerable people living and working in the highest alert areas “may” be eligible for some benefits if they are unable to do their job at home for whatever reason. We don’t think this is good enough and it’s forcing people to make difficult decisions, sometimes choosing between their health and going to workplaces they think might be unsafe.

We’ve heard from many people who have felt anxious about returning to or going to work while COVID-19 cases are increasing, and lots more who have found the rules confusing. At Asthma UK, we’re letting the government know about the problems you’ve been having and calling for more financial support, access to essential items and better communication to those at higher risk.

inews.co.uk/news/health/hea...

[Wheezy26 in reply to Claire_ALUK]

It is so difficult at the moment. I was furloughed at 80% so that was keeping me above water but now that is ending I’m feeling like I’m going to have to go back to my job which I cannot social distance and isn’t Covid secure to keep me safe Just so I can continue to pay my bills and rent. They haven’t looked at it from all angles at all. I went through citizens advice to see what I was entitled to but they said nothing as I live with my partner and he is still earning what they say is enough to live off when in reality it really isn’t! So stressed about it which triggers the asthma even more.

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to Wheezy26]

ACAS and The Health and Safety Executive websites will likely have some employment advice re: keeping you COVID safe.

If your asthma is flaring up though do contact your GP about this or you can ring the helpline here 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5. asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...