Shielded getting out.

I fully understand the health importance of shielding, Can consideration be given for shielded people to walk down their path ,wearing gloves and mask, to their cars and go for a once a week VERY local drive. This would also be on the proviso of NOT leaving your car. The government could send to all shielded people a once a week text pass , similar to what they do in Cyprus , which if stopped by police could show the purpose of their journey.

Why the contribution is important

I am sure this would go a long way to relieve some of the emotional difficulties staying at home constantly brings. This would also comply with car manufacturers recommendations of turning your car wheels once a fortnight during lockdown .

by stuartok37 on May 05, 2020 at 01:39PM

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Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 14 votes

Comments

  • Posted by MiniMum65 May 05, 2020 at 13:49

    My elderly parents would love this idea. We’ve drummed into them the idea that they must isolate, but a short car journey would help them tremendously!

  • Posted by sandiegee May 05, 2020 at 13:52

    Consideration needs to be given to let people leave their house for fresh air and some external exercise - people who are being told to shield have a lot of support that has been put in place by the Scottish Government however just to go for a short walk once a day would be good not everyone has a drive or a garden. Shielding people are fully aware of why the advice is there and won't (I would hope) put their health at risk however the longer they're told to stay in the house the bigger the risk of them ignoring the advice especially when they see restrictions being lifted for others. Even if there was an expectation that after the 12 weeks of shielding there would be 'light at the end of the tunnel' I'm sure it would help

  • Posted by Kirstyhall44 May 05, 2020 at 13:53

    I would support this idea - a short drive, driven by someone else in the household, limited perhaps by miles around their abode, would offer a safe outing and a connection to the world. Another idea maybe to allow them to meet other friends Or family who are in separate cars so they can see them and communicate through the telephone.

  • Posted by Icongran May 05, 2020 at 13:56

    I do think shielded should be able to go out for a limited period. However I don't have a garden or a car, therefore could we have a period when we are allowed out ; for example Spain is allowing seniors out at specific times.

  • Posted by Scotland1 May 05, 2020 at 13:56

    It’s an ok idea but I think difficult to police

  • Posted by Fdawsi1975 May 05, 2020 at 14:41

    This is a great idea. I would also like to add that people currently shielding should be made to keep shielding till such a time that the medical evidence suggest it is safe for them to stop shielding. Also, those of them on the furlough scheme or any support scheme should be allowed to stay on it till they are allowed to return to work. This is important because if the lockdown is lifted soon without any significant drop in the infection rates, the shielding group of people would be left more vulnerable.

  • Posted by mcnik May 05, 2020 at 15:25

    shielding is extremely difficult, my husband and i would just like to watch TV together, or go for a walk but this is not allowed,also going out for a short drive on his own would help him too. This idea of indefinitely being separated from society and you family until a vaccine is available is not doing his mental health any good at all. Or mine for that matter.

  • Posted by MoynaK May 05, 2020 at 16:09

    I agree with the comments above that people who are shielding should be allowed to get proper fresh air at least once in a while. My uncle is shielding and whilst he’s happy to do so as he knows he’s high risk, he is in a city flat with no balcony or private garden. Opening the windows is not sufficient and I’d much rather that he maybe could be allowed to drive for a change of scene, or perhaps visit us or my cousins so he could maybe enjoy our gardens for example with us social distancing to keep him safe. It would also mean he could interact safely as he lives on his own and I think 12 weeks or longer with barely any contact with anyone is wholly unreasonable.

  • Posted by bun107 May 05, 2020 at 18:58

    I absolutely agree. I am shielding but last week had no option but to take my teenage son to hospital (on medical advice) and it was either go with him or have him there on his own (he has a learning disability amongst other things) so I just had to take the risk. I have to say tho the silver lining was the drive in the car there and then back! It made me feel like we had a tiny bit of freedom.

  • Posted by Mark May 05, 2020 at 22:47

    Completely agree. Mental health and well being of those shielding and the household in which they live is vitally important.
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