Told to shield on May 7: Hi I got a text from NHS... - NRAS

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Told to shield on May 7

avocadothrower1 profile image
14 Replies

Hi I got a text from NHS Coronavirus telling me to shield until June 30 on Thursday. Previously, I have been social distancing, all be it very strictly. Not gone into a supermarket etc but have been going for walks. Live with husband and adult daughter who have been careful too but are shopping for me.

My questions 1. Why have I only just got this text -- my medical condition and medications are the same.

2. Should I do more than I have already been doing.

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avocadothrower1 profile image
avocadothrower1
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14 Replies
RosieA profile image
RosieA

It does seem a bit of a mess. Some people on MTX only with no other co-mobidities have been told to shield, others that they are low risk. Rather adds to confusion and stress that people have been experiencing. Deep joy!

avocadothrower1 profile image
avocadothrower1 in reply to RosieA

Yes, I was very careful to research what I should be doing before this started. It was a bit scary to get this out of the blue.

avocadothrower1 profile image
avocadothrower1

Thank you. Yes, the idea that as more people go back to work then the parameters for shielding vulnerable people increase had been my first thought. But it has kind of knocked me for six .

avocadothrower1 profile image
avocadothrower1

nothing as yet. I guess that will take a while.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

It is advice, not the law. So if you don’t think this is right for you talk to your GP about what's best for you to do.

avocadothrower1 profile image
avocadothrower1 in reply to helixhelix

Oh I will -- perhaps be even more careful than I have already been. I think my daily country walk is ok and will do that too.

charisma profile image
charisma in reply to avocadothrower1

If there’s almost nobody around, get your walk. Otherwise, if you think you are in the shielding category, best try to continue with refraining from shopping etc.

I have been strictly social distancing then shielding for over seven weeks now.

The lack of direct sunlight and exercise, stuck in a small flat without outdoor space, is a killer.

Since the shielding is advice, fines don’t apply, I decided to get one quiet walk a day from yesterday but took a mask along; needed on a narrow pavement when a couple, each with a dog on a leash, approached me. They failed to step aside at all, so selfish. I turned my back as they passed.

The relaxation of exercise rules for others is a concern; might be more people out there to try and avoid.

avocadothrower1 profile image
avocadothrower1 in reply to charisma

I’m sorry that happened to you. On our walks, thankfully, everyone except one jogger has been wonderfully polite and considerate. I feel for everyone with no outside space . Think the re should be an hour “curfew” when only ppl allowed out are those in flats.

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71 in reply to charisma

I think you have done really well all this time. I have a small garden, so am able to get out there for fresh air, I didn’t get my much needed back op, before this all happened, but would like to go out for a walk with my rollater, I’m getting so stiff. I live in a crescent which is normally quiet, we have a wood at the end of the road, but it seems everyone has discovered it, I’m hoping when more people go back to work I will be able to at least walk round the crescent. If not, I will just stay safe at home. X

charisma profile image
charisma in reply to Gigi71

Let’s hope you can, it would be a great help to general well-being. x

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71 in reply to charisma

I think if you feel safe enough, carry on with your walk, once I feel I can get out there safely, I will too, thanks it definitely will xx

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

This is the text from Gov’t doc published today.....”it is likely” so more vagueness. And how will they review it? Will they actually ask any of the shielded?

The guidance on shielding and vulnerability will be kept under review as the UK moves through the phases of the Government’s strategy. It is likely that the Government will continue to advise people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to shield beyond June. Whilst shielding is important to protect individuals from the risk of COVID-19 infection, the Government recognises that it is challenging for people’s wider wellbeing. The Government will review carefully the effect on shielded individuals, the services they have had, and what next steps are appropriate.

For those who need to shield for a longer period, the Government will review the scale and scope of their needs and how the support programme can best meet these. The Government will also consider guidance for others who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 and how it can support people to understand their risk.

charisma profile image
charisma in reply to helixhelix

Having finally received my Gov shielding letter telling me to self isolate from today, I’m expecting a second one very soon with instructions to text their SMS.

Then no doubt, those texts will reach me too albeit with a difference as it is Scottish Gov. Probably just as much of a mess though; my letter was obviously over six weeks late. Neither GP nor Rheumatology sent info to Gov/Gov failed to process it.

Likely the former since GP told me over a week ago, when I called to ask about getting on the list, that they would get me added.

No way am I shielding from today, starting over, unless COVID-19 is suddenly prevalent all over the region.

Darwin profile image
Darwin

I think this text has gone out to a lot of shielding people this week it adds two weeks onto the original 12 weeks shielding xx

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