Shielding

The shielding program needs to be further looked at. The 12 weeks from initial shielding announcement will soon be at an end. As a social worker i have had contact with a number of people shielding who have gone from being active in their communities to have minimal social interactions. It's been great that the hubs have been set up and people can get extra support but this is going to have a lasting impact on some very vulnerable people. I would suggest a nuanced approach to shielding, where there is graded exposure to allow people to have some level of interactions. The member of the public who are shielding will only find things harder as the rest of the countries lockdown begins to be relaxed. Which is clearly what is happening at the moment unofficially. The streets and roads are significantly busier at the moment as lockdown fatigue is setting in. People are seeing the numbers going down and starting to believe things are getting better.

Why the contribution is important

The idea I believe is important because the most vulnerable who are shielding are struggling now. They are literally scared for their lives. They've been told that they need to shield for 12 weeks which is now nearly over and there realistically won't be an exit strategy for those who are shielding after the 12 week period.

by davidthomson333 on May 05, 2020 at 11:05PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 18 votes

Comments

  • Posted by murrayme8 May 05, 2020 at 23:16

    Yes and more people need to be looked at it’s ridiculous the people that have not had letters I have a son who is severe asthmatic and never received one this is scandalous

  • Posted by Kenny36 May 06, 2020 at 00:00

    A possible solution might be to allow shielded individuals to extend their 'bubble' to allow for more interaction with others and help them rejoin society. Even just allowing family members to visit, or for shielded groups to interact and enlarging their bubble over time, could be hugely beneficial for those individuals.

    As long as a record is kept somewhere of who are in their 'bubbles', they could easily catch any potential infection sources and then fall back to 14 days shielding again. It doesn't need to be an official record, but it may be worth doing so, where possible, to help find the means of infection and help avoid a repeat in others.

  • Posted by Shielder May 06, 2020 at 02:05

     I'm Shielding and under no illusion that will have to stay in place, I will be doing so with or without Government instruction. Going forward their needs to be more contact made by G.P's to check in with this group. I have family support, it is a very scary time (I recognise this is not just for this group) but I can't imagine what it's like for a person totally isolated on their own. I had to contact my G.P even though the letter I received stated they would contact me as soon as they could, and I didn't find the call that compassionate. I understand GP's will be under a lot of pressures and will have the same worries as others re: their safety and their family but there needs to be more emotional support provided.

  • Posted by cus1903 May 06, 2020 at 08:19

    my parents are crying every day they are in sheltered housing no carers just a call in morning we need fo be able to support them before it kills them.my mother has dementia and it has doubled since lockdown as she cannot do anything or go anywhere stop this now these people have precious years left they need us we will look after them but need to see them constant hope given then taking away in press is killing them.

  • Posted by stewartma May 06, 2020 at 09:54

    I am shielding at whilst complying it is not easy. The thought of extending this indefinitely until vaccine is available terrifies me also the possibility of losing my job as I work in the public sector and cannot work from home, it all adds to anxiety of an already stressful situation. There has to be a gradual relief from this,
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