January 2022 announcements regarding move to plan A

On Wednesday 19th January 2022, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the phased relaxation of the Plan B restrictions regarding working from home, wearing masks, social distancing, and self-isolation in England.

gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-co...

There has been no official statement regarding how those considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or clinically vulnerable (CV) should be responding to these easing of restrictions. However, iNews UK reported that the CEV and CV should continue to follow the guidelines included in plan B.

inews.co.uk/news/covid-rule...

NRAS is working closely with an informal alliance of patient organisations that represent the CEV and CV people in our community. This alliance is meeting with government and shadow ministers to get some clarity and we will share it with you all and as soon as we have some further clarity. One thing that all these patient organisations have reported from the communities they represent, is that, whilst the thought of getting back to the life they had before the pandemic is an ideal for everyone, after, in some cases, almost 2 years in lockdown, it is not something they feel at ease about. People feel they are being asked to weigh up the mental and physical health risks of remaining isolated, versus the risk of contracting COVID-19 if returning to work, socialising etc. A difficult personal decision that is not one that will be the same for the thousands of people that are CEV or CV, and will be driven by various factors (condition, age, treatment(s), attitude, vaccine status etc.)

This is understandably a confusing and emotionally fraught time for many people. The Government website above addresses how to assess your personal risk, and NRAS suggests that we treat each other with respect regarding our personal assessment of the risks and the precautions an individual may wish to follow. It's with deep sadness that we have noted that people who are already confused and vulnerable are feeling bullied and harassed on social media/online communities and we wish to reiterate NRAS’ zero tolerance policy of unacceptable behaviour . Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this does not mean they are entitled to criticise others for theirs. We request that all opinions are respected and any discussion and/or debate is done without judgement.

[allanah]

I am very glad Nras are in discussions with other charities and it is good you are meeting with Government. I'm glad you can represent us on our behalf and you have listened to all our various points . I look forward to hearing if the government wish us to potentially catch covid then risk being treated or whether they can evaluate the " vacu shield" vaccine which appears to prevent catching the virus if that is correct preventing the illness in advance. Thankyou all for your hard work.

[MadBunny]

Thank you for posting this Nadine, and thank you to NRAS for the excellent work they are doing on our behalf. It will be interesting to hear what the government have to say.

[Goldsky]

Thank you

[Mmrr in reply to Goldsky]

Thank you Nadine.

[springcross]

Thanks Nadine.

[stbernhard]

Thank you, you lovely NRAS people for working so well on behalf of all of us.

[nomoreheels]

Thanks for letting us know Nadine. Also for acknowledging recent events & reiterating NRAS' zero tolerance policy.

[Kags1068]

Thanks 😊