Lifting of Restrictions & Impact on the Immunocompromised

[AKA13]

After yesterday's announcement to lift restrictions on 19 July, here are some interesting tweets from Blood Cancer UK, reflecting concerns of those who are immunocompromised. As someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis, it completely resonates with me! Just wondering how others are feeling.

twitter.com/bloodcancer_uk/...

[Mmrr]

😥

[Neonkittie17]

I couldn’t read much on there as I had to stop as I saw one of the “dimmer light bulbs” of this country being derogatory to those who are vulnerable. Sadly there are so many of these dim light bulbs . Not really understood how the virus transmits or doesn’t really care. It’s a selfish world we’ve seen over the past year or so.

[Stowe in reply to Neonkittie17]

Your right Neonkitten17, some people (not all at all) are already saying they can't wait yo ditch the face masks, my boss said it in a meeting I was in. I know masks are a pain to wear but are some people that selfish.

[KeenGreen]

It does seem a bit odd that the immunocompromised don’t get a mention, the lower vaccine efficacy does seem to be widely accepted.

I saw some data recently suggesting that the vaccines are only about 60% effective in the general population for the Delta variant, which would suggest it could be even lower for the immunocompromised.

I also read that Israel, ahead of us on vaccine rollout, relaxed the law on wearing masks indoors only to reverse it ten days later as cases of the Delta variant increase there. It seems daft to me that mask wearing is not required on public transport for example. Hey ho.

I guess we just need to remain cautious especially as cases are rising quickly.

[AKA13 in reply to KeenGreen]

I would have felt more comfortable if they had retained the masks and social distancing while we are battling with the pandemic. It seems that while the majority will now have their freedoms, those who CEV will regress.😔

[Blueskysunshine]

I saw this yesterday and retweeted - it was liked by 1 person, and he has cancer. Concerning times for all of the vulnerable x

[AKA13 in reply to Blueskysunshine]

It is really concerning ....... feels like our freedoms are being taken from us!

[Blueskysunshine in reply to AKA13]

Exactly. Just as we poked a foot out of the door to enjoy an outside table for lunch, we’re going to be thinking twice about it now, and probably not going.

I’m being told I now have to go back to the office, as the government have lifted all restrictions. Not happy at all.

[Stowe in reply to Blueskysunshine]

My work is the same, I'm not happy at all, I 'm pushing back with where is your duty of care. I hope your work look after you.

[Froggie70]

Hi AKA, I feel that anyone who is immunocompromised or has a chronic illness is now just being left behind. A staggered exit from lockdown with masks on public transport and social settings along with social distancing would have been the sensible first step but it looks like the doors are being flung open to let it rip through the population. I mean 100k cases a day is being quoted. Seriously?! It’s like watching Nero fiddle while Rome burns. I’ve been working from home and am now scared my boss is going to expect me into the office now. A 40 minute commute on a packed train and then an open plan office with over 100 people on the floor. I could weep at the thought of it. Many thanks for the link. XX

[Stowe in reply to Froggie70]

I feel exactly the same, very frustrated and upset that we are being totally ignored.

[AKA13]

It is a difficult and worrying time. I understand your concerns. The Health Secretary was questioned today about advice for the CEV when the restrictions are lifted. He said GPs are being given guidance in supporting their patients with their concerns. I would like to see this guidance!!xx

[Pippy25 in reply to AKA13]

Especially when some of us are struggling to get to see a GP these days! It feels like it's turning into a free for all sadly.

[Stowe]

Very upsetting reading.

[Downtime]

The results of the Octave research should be out very soon. This is to establish the effectiveness of the vaccine on the immune suppressed. It sounds as if the level of protection is dependent on which dmards and biologics we take. Even if if it’s only part effective it will make a difference. A booster shot will be rolled out pretty soon which we probably all be wise to take.

[happytulip]

Hi Ajay, yes he might say that about the vulnerable but it always seems that we are an afterthought. Surely they need to think about the physical and economical impact of many of the population getting long covid too?