My husband had the letter. He hasn’t left the house in 5 weeks and I haven’t in 3. We now have separate bedrooms and use separate towels , clean everything that comes into house etc. I have just been informed by our surgery that we still should be isolating within house and he should stay in one room. I’m in melt down... I thought quitting work and also self isolating would be ok... apparently not😭. Why can’t a whole household shield?
What’s the reason?
These are the recommendations. Best wishes Kevin
What should you do if you have someone else living with you?
While the rest of your household are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves, we would expect them to do what they can to support you in shielding and to stringently follow guidance on social distancing.
Minimise as much as possible the time other family members spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.
Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible. If you can, you should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Make sure you use separate towels from the other people in your house, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes.
If you do share a toilet and bathroom with others, it is important that they are cleaned after use every time (for example, wiping surfaces you have come into contact with). Another tip is to consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with you using the facilities first.
If you share a kitchen with others, avoid using it while they are present. If you can, you should take your meals back to your room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry the family’s used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly. If you are using your own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.
We understand that it will be difficult for some people to separate themselves from others at home. You should do your very best to follow this guidance and everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
If the rest of your household stringently follow advice on social distancing and minimise the risk of spreading the virus within the home by following the advice above, there is no need for them to also shield alongside you.
I appreciate all the above ... but effectively we’re both shielding and have done for weeks.
That’s fine. They’re being extra cautious with how things come in from outside. Stay safe. Keep smiling. Best wishes Kevin
It’s a surreal world my 91 year old Dad is coming out of hospital on Easter Monday after 5 weeks. He’s really looking forward to it.......little does he know what’s changed outside! Best wishes Kevin
Practice nurse just called - 3 days later. She now says yes I can stay in same room as my husband .. phew. Not sure if she realised how much upset she caused...
Shielding England Update
Medical certificate for shielding
Household members & covid vaccine criteria
Shielding is lonely 
Shielding letter 
