Do We Need To “Shield” Again

[Threelions]

This seems like a good point to ask my fellow MPNers what they are going to do in relation to the increase of Covid 19 cases and the latest lockdown announcement.Can’t deny , I’ve become more concerned in recent weeks. X

[friendofpiglet]

Well, apparently we are not being subjected to shielding measures, but I guess we have to take precautions just as we have been throughout. As I see it, the recent 3 weeks of galloping infection rates mean we have been at greater risk recently than we are going to be for the next few weeks.

I think we are all smart enough now to know how best to protect ourselves - we have had plenty of time to practise after all.

Andy

[Superwoman]

Here we go again !!! just like the song, I have adhered to shielding since March and will carry on, my only thing was to go and help my daughter who has had a rare cancer like us called Parosteal Osteosarcoma, and had her thigh bone and muscle removed and is learning to walk again with crutches, now I cannot take the risk to go and help her.

She also has been made redundant as a medical secretary due to Covid, so this is another worry for her, but I will adhere to the new rules yet again, let’s hope that everyone else does in the country, The London Borough of Bromley, although it comes into Kent, where I live it was second from the bottom for Covid patients Bexley, being bottom we were put into lockdown along with all the London Boroughs, we have had a a fairly easy time of it with regards to infections, was even seeing my Haematologist face to face, but have received a letter to say that my next appointment in December will be a telephone conversation, nothing about what I do about getting bloods done and where to go, so will have to try and find out.

So as I said her we go again.

Keep safe

Jean

[Threelions in reply to Superwoman]

Hi, that’s tough on you re your daughter & I hope she’s ok.

I’m the other side of the Dartford river crossing and cases not been really bad here either. I just worry as my work (not affected by latest lockdown) takes me into other people’s properties. X

[harleydavidson in reply to Superwoman]

Thinking of you all. Mel xx

[Otterfield]

Apparently we are not being asked to shield, but to be extra careful. Those who work should stay away if they can't work from home. That's what I understood, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Threelions in reply to Otterfield]

You’ve hit the nail on the head I think. As I’ve already mentioned my work currently requires me to visit people in their homes and is not affected by the new measures mentioned today. With that in mind should I be continuing my job even with precautions?

Can anyone give some guidance please as during the last peak I remember the advice was to stay at home if possible. X

[Superwoman in reply to Otterfield]

Read today that what you say is correct, we do not need to shield again but to take extra care when out, that I do but it’s the ones who refuse to wear face masks that I worry about, I wear mine to protect other people I am constantly washing my hands, and I keep my distance from others, I cannot face not being able to help my daughter, but I always have FaceTime with her, and let’s hope the r rate comes down by Christmas.

Jean

[Hidden]

I am from NZ, and we are being told UK is going into a month lockdown! Schools and colleges will stay open. We are so lucky here.

[francesb]

My consultant told me I must continue to shield as nothing has changed, I think everyone should be guided by their doctor regardless of government advice.

[Sallush]

Straight from the UK government website:

“There is a further group of people who are defined, also on medical grounds, as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus – that is, people with specific serious health conditions. Over this period, we are advising the CEV to work from home. If you cannot work from home, you are advised not to go to work and may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA). You are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, but are encouraged to go outside for exercise. The full new guidance will be published on Monday 2 November and the Government will write to everybody who is clinically extremely vulnerable to set out detailed advice while the new restrictions are in place.”

[Threelions in reply to Sallush]

Thanks for highlighting, really appreciate it.

[wiskie]

It's best to take our own Haematologists advice, Two weeks ago mine advised me to continue with shielding as there isn't any change.

[Stevesmum42]

Thanks Sallush.

That clarify things. I shall be shielding as there are spots of Coronavirus all around the area. So very much more scary than the first wave.....I have friends who have tested positive .

So no complacency .

Stay safe all.

Sandy x

[Chaz1]

No, he said just be extra careful

[swimswam]

Last nights announcement has left me totally confused. “If you cannot work from home, you are advised not to go to work and may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA).”

I work as support staff in a secondary school in a very high risk area, and my role means I cannot work from home. Do I go back tomorrow? Do I go back until Thursday? Do I need a Dr’s note to stay off through the lockdown? Will I receive the govt letter to show my employer? It took weeks before I got one last time! As well as ET, I am 64 years old so my age also puts me at risk. At least the shielding last time gave some clarity both to me and my employer, as we were told to stay at home. This time it is only advise not to work, which I don’t know whether my trust will accept. Very stressed and worried!

[Threelions in reply to swimswam]

I think you are in the same pickle that I’m in , hence my post. It’s interesting that even in the replies there is already a mix of answers across the spectrum with no categoric advice.

Some are receiving direct advice from their haematologist and others not it would seem.

For you and I it would be helpful if we had clearer guidelines from Thursday onwards.

[Sallush in reply to Threelions]

The expected government letter might give more definitive answers - my thinking is it probably won’t. And like last time, not everyone received the letters

My thoughts would be do what you did first time round.

Some haven’t stopped shielding because they’re in a position where they can do that.

Some employers - like mine - are proving to be difficult. I insist on working at home despite the disapproval of my manager. I’d rather be disciplined than be at the mercy of the virus. I can quote the various health and safety legislation if I need to .

And don’t forget - our condition - certainly in the UK - is classed as a cancer. This automatically qualifies as a disability under the Equalities Act. Employers should be extra careful when dealing with us.