How long will shielding go on for

[Wouldyou66]

I am in the shielded group. I can work from home indefinitely thank goodness, so not an issue there for me but I’m wondering how long I can expect to lock down? I am wondering how long it will be before I can see my family. My partner who I live with is a social worker for the elderly but hasn’t seen anyone since lock down was enforced (worked from home, assessments all via phone). I’m wondering how long I will have to live segregated from him within our home, especially once he starts visits again in the future.

[Mummy5hark]

I think the shielded group have to stay hope for 12 weeks, it should state this in the documentation you would've received from the govt and NHS. I doubt they will end it earlier sadly.

[Pipandmum]

At least the full 12 weeks and I think they may extend it.

[VaTeLaverLesMains]

I'm in shielded group and although no one knows it will remain the case that we are at high risk whether the rules change or not. I can't see an easy way out of that.

[mynameiscalypso]

The shielded group don't have to do anything; it's advice, not a requirement. For most people, it will be a personal decision based on their own circumstances and assessment of risk. I imagine some will stay shielded for as long as possible. Others will choose not to shield. Neither is wrong.

[Wouldyou66]

Oh yes I’m aware of the 12 weeks but I’m thinking it’s unrealistic for it to end there and I’m wondering will I be able to see anyone before Christmas.

[Wouldyou66]

I guess a better question, when do people think it will be safe for me to see my family and not live segregated from my partner who is a social worker for the elderly. I am aware advice is optional but I just wonder when it will be safe for me.

[Keepdistance]

I doubt it. My mum is shielding.
Seems like it's going to be a long journey.
Also annoying that the incubation is so long.
Not to mention potential reactivation.
So cant really imagine when my kids will actually see either set of GP

[Littlemiss74]

Can anyone tell me where on the letter they received it states the date you must shield to as my boss was asking and there is no end date on my letter?

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

Some letters say 12 weeks from the date the letter was written. Mine says nothing about how long for, only that I should.

[Wouldyou66]

Mine says from the date of the letter

[whataballbag]

My dads says '12 weeks from today', assuming that means the date of the letter which was 21st March

[kirstinm]

@whataballbag this is what makes me certain the date on the letter is arbitrary. My letter is dated from the 10th April, so a different date to you but it doesn't mean anything. We will all be shielding for much longer, unless we choose not to of course. It's not easy.

[IllhaveaPpleaseBob]

The latest government advice was updated at the weekend and instead of the original 12 weeks, it now says those shielding should continue to do so until the end of June

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

ok, that's something to hold onto. That's now nearly next month iyswim.