Help please

[Uga35570]

Morning everyone a question please. At the moment my husband and me are abroad so rules are different. We are both in our seventies, I have RD . I would like to know 1.we are vulnerable, but if we come back to UK we would have to isolate for 2 weeks. 2 .what is the difference between shielding and isolating? Our children and grandchildren as well as ourselves all live in a "medium " Risk area so can we meet up 6 maximum I think! Sorry but it is all very confusing. Thank you for any help it would be much appreciated.

[KittyJ]

I’d check out Gov.uk as all the info is there. If you’re self isolating for 14 days then no you can’t meet up with 6 people or have visitors. Here’s a link to start with 😊

gov.uk/government/publicati...

[medway-lady]

Self isolating as in coming from abroad actually changes coming into the UK depending on where your from as countries go on or come off lists published by the Home Office. And is reviewed regularly so the best thing to do is log onto Dir.Gov.uk or NHS Covid or the BBC all have very good and up to date information updated regularly.

Vulnerability depends on so many variables such as comorbidities and medications so again log onto NHS or NRAS website for up to date information. Shielding is suspended at the moment anyway and so its immaterial as to a difference but if it gets re introduced then it'll be on the news (BBC) and people get contacted by the NHS which means I would image that you'd have to be registered with a GP and have a National Health Number or an EHIC until December if your coming from another EU country. Of course if your still registered here then you'd just be resuming residence anyway. The new tier system varies as you know but places will it appears go into or come out of the tiers so its impossible to say what is correct today as it may not be the same in a few days time.

In some areas no contact between two households at all indoors is now permitted, so its a very fluid situation and can change so honestly is all you can do is go to the websites I've indicated.

[Hidden in reply to medway-lady]

A good answer! Going to "the horse's mouth" is always the best way to find out.

[helixhelix]

As you are in your 70’s you are getting close to the vulnerable age for covid, so do think whether travelling at all is a good idea if you are living abroad?

Others have given you to links you need about arriving in the UK.

Having RD doesn’t really add to your risk - it is whether you take high doses of steroids or some of the more immunosuppressive drugs. Classic treatments like methotrexate make no difference to your risk level, and take biologics like Humira actually lowers it!

[AgedCrone]

Wait until you know if you are coming to the United Kingdom and then check with the British Embassy or consulate wherever you are .....what the rules are at the time you travel ...they change frequently.

If you would be intending to stay with family they will need to know the regulations as well as to whether you will be allowed to stay with them.

[Happy5]

Shielding is not having any contact with anyone, having what you need delivered to the door and always sanitise the item, wash your hands after too.

Shielding time can vary depending on why need to shield.

Isolating is when either you have displayed COVID19 symptoms or been in contact with someone who has the symptoms. Isolation also means staying home not going out have deliveries of needed supplies , meds same as above.

Isolating time usually last at least 14 days but as others have said check Gov.co.uk.

You will need to isolate on returning to U.K. due to not knowing whether you are a risk of transmitting COVID19

I am shielding for two weeks before an operation to ensure I am not a risk of COVID 19.

Hope this helps ?

[Green230461 in reply to Happy5]

Good luck with your operation hope all goes well for you🌺

[Happy5 in reply to Green230461]

ta muchly will keep you updated as & when

[Green230461]

Government covid website gives you all the up to date legal details that you need just type in the postcode where you are going and up it comes for you. Good luck

[Uga35570]

Thank you everyone for your help.