Shielding Pause

[Daisy55]

I am finding the new changes on shielding so difficult . The family want to visit for a day in August , and my husband is palliative and still clinically extremely vulnerable with lung conditions and a heart condition . I am stuck between them coming and wanting to see them and the risk to my husband . They live 2 hours away , so it’s not just a pop in the garden for an hour visit . My priority has to be my husband , but the decision of what to do is making sleepless nights , as the risk is still high for him . Any thoughts ?

[Hidden]

Hi Daisy55, It's not surprising that you feel as you do. But if you think this through, you have enough time to plan to do this as safely as possible. You can set your own rules for the visit, like still keeping everyone 2 metres away from each other and asking your family to be extra vigilant in the 14 days prior to their proposed visit in August. If you feel more comfortable that way, you could all wear masks, and of course observe all the extra hygiene precautions we've all learned.

Bear in mind that only one person in just under 1800 people is now currently infected with covid19, and that rate may well fall further in the ensuing weeks, making the odds of contracting it even longer.

Of course you'll have to be flexible about cancelling at short notice if there were a spike, or one of your family suddenly found themselves with a cough or temperature, but so long as they are symptom free prior to the visit and you are sensible throughout, I'd be inclined to go for it. Because otherwise, when will it be safe?

I think you should weigh up the risk against that of not ever being able to see your family for quite a long time to come.

It's not risk free and I wouldn't pretend that it was. That wouldn't be fair to you. But it's a calculated risk and in your position I think it's one I'd be prepared to take, but cautiously.

Do let us know what you decide in the end and continue to take care, both of you! 🙏

[Daisy55 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much , that all makes sense , and helps greatly . I will definitely think it through and come up with a plan x

[sassy59]

Hello Daisy, I agree with Callendersgal and would invite your family to visit with caution and having precautions in place. It must be on your terms and I’m sure your family would understand that.

I wish you well and no more sleepless nights. Xxxx

[Daisy55 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you so much xxx