End of shielding

[dgk70]

Hi all , How is everybody feeling about the shielding coming to an end on April 1st ? I myself have been shielding and have been off work for nearly a year and i am very apprehensive about going back to work . I work in the building trade so i will be mixing with other people on site and also sharing lifts going and coming from work .I guess we have to try and get back to some sort normality at some stage ,I have had my first covid jab and im due the second in about 4 weeeks.

Take care all

Darren

[Paul_1971]

Personally I am looking forward to it however I have worked from home and will continue to do so until June by the look of it.

I guess our circumstances are all different but i will certainly be heading to a beer garden when they open next month.

Im having my 2nd jab 4 weeks tomorrow but do feel the risk now is much lower, numbers are low, deaths have plumetted which is going to be the impact of the vaccine and lockdown of course. It is likely we are enjoying a good level of protection from our first jabs.

When shielding ended last year during the summer months i got out, went to bars and restaurants, but maintained a sensible approach.

In your position id be asking your employers what measures are being taken, all businesses i believe can apply for free lateral flow testing which should be a minimum requirement in my opinion now.

Hope all works out ok for you.

Paul

[Camelian]

I'm looking forward to the end of sheilding but I will also be apprehensive🤔I have lymphoma as well as Pv . I'm hoping I can continue working from home at least till I've had my second vac. Although nervous I'm longing for normality 12 months in doors takes its toll. Kind regards to all.

[blacklabs]

Ok not good I need to work on me. Poor husband got a telling off for not washing hands at petrol pump. Saw him a few years ago in intensive care he has an ileostomy bag and diabetic so still protective. Also daughter op next week intensive care heart issues. I am hypo found out in lockdown. Frankly it will take along time to relax I have been constantly on high alert. I am looking forward to lovely days out with my daughter we miss them but I will have to try and relax for all our sakes. Eating out is a no for me unless I took my own utensils mad as that may seem. But I am now recognizing why I am protective of people I love . It will be difficult I admit.

[Devilgirl]

I'm looking forward to meeting friends & family again but will be very cautious. I'm lucky in that I have been working from home right through & there are currently no plans for anyone going back into the office yet - my workplace is looking at intoducing what they call a blended approach where everyone has the option of home working, office based or a mixture. Not sure I will feel comfortable going into shops but will go in them at quieter times.

[SusieG60]

Im very nervous. Not everything's open but were safe to stop shielding. Doesnt make sense to me. Iv requested 2 weeks off work as holiday so hopefully not back yet. Its been 10. Weeks since my first jab of Pfizer hoping for my 2nd one before i return to work

[RobPV]

Hi, I've hadET and PV Jak2+ for at least 5 years. I never received a shielding letter. Probably due to living and working in Scotland where everything appears to be 30 years behind my native England. I've been on furlough since it started and I've been back at work 2-3 days a week since July. It's been worrying at times, but all the distancing rules, face masks and hand sanitising applies everywhere I've been for work. So its not been too bad. Restrictions are beginning to lift in England but here in Nicola Sturgeon's Scotland nothing has changed yet. Very frustrating.

[Hydrox]

I will carry on wearing a mask and gloves until I am informed that I have antibodies to fight any infection. I had Astra zeneca jab and am waiting the full 12 weeks as recommended before I have the second jab at the end of April. I will also carry on being extremely careful if and when I have to venture outside my home.

[francesb]

My doctor has told me not to stop shielding as the risk has not changed. Fortunately I am retired so don’t have the work worry. I won’t be changing my hermit lifestyle.

[paintbox]

I feel relief and joy although I'll still be cautious. I'm fortunate that I'm able to work from home and so it must feel more daunting for you Darren! I'm also in a fortune position of having the security of antibodies as UN/fortunately (depending on how you look at it) I contracted Covid in Jan (a long story for another post perhaps) so now I feel safe in the knowledge I have a few months immunity. I hope you are able to be understood & supported with your need to be extra cautious, though hopefully vaccines will slow transmission rates in the wider community 🤞🏻