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Original poster

Chat for those who are shielding

956 replies

AuntieSocia1 · 22/04/2020 16:06

Apologies for the very unsnazzy title but as it suggests a place to chat for those who have to shield at the moment. A few of us have been talking on the the Shielding after lockdown thread in the coronavirus topic.

Thought I'd put this in chat as some days I'm guessing we'll want to chat about anything other than coronavirus!

I know all of our circumstances are quite different as well as the reason we need to shield but it's a pretty big thing to have in common. Despite my username I look forward to interacting with you and as my username suggests I might also slink off from time to time!

OP posts:
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Ulysses · 26/04/2020 10:09

DH is self-employed as well @Redcherries so know that’s another set of worries. Hope you get business sorted out soon. Enjoy your cocktails!

TVandwine · 26/04/2020 10:49

Asda is the one company I can't get through to. Their phone line has no options for shielding and it just hangs up on me! Any tips on getting through to them would be most appreciated.

ALemonyPea · 26/04/2020 12:23

I'm also a Tesco regular, but it was impossible to get a delivery, even with the priority. ASDA substitutions are a bit silly, but better than not getting any food at all.

@TVandwine I've checked the email for priority, and there is no different number. Have you tried logging in to your Asda account, in a browser not the app, and seeing if you've got it (if you've already registered with the Gov website)

DollysDrawers · 26/04/2020 17:17

Morrisons is the one I can't get - there are literally none. I don't know whose getting them as I've logged on every single night just before midnight for the last week as well as throughout the day so it seems they're gone before they're even released!

mrsbyers · 26/04/2020 17:20

Coming up to 8 weeks for me with another 9 to go based on 12 weeks from getting letter - I’m finding it ok but I am still working so have some routine

ringletsandtwiglets · 26/04/2020 17:42

I got my letter yesterday, though I've been working from home and going out very rarely since 19th March, as I have a heart condition and diabetes.

With regards to the 12 weeks, not really sure what is meant to happen when the time is up. I mean, unless we're out of lockdown, surely even those on Week 6 now won't be able to go out and about in 6 weeks' time?

craddock287 · 26/04/2020 17:48

Can I ask if anyone has an opinion on this. I’m shielding , and would be surprised if it’s not extended past June. My dm has just suggested that as were in the south west, I don’t really have to worry about shielding anyway because there are so many less cases here. I am quite annoyed- for a start, when lockdown is eased I am expecting the number of cases here to rise because people will be more likely to wing a cheeky weekend break. Also, to my mind, it’s not the number of cases per se that is the problem. It is that I am at such High risk of severe complications if I do get it. Is shielding advice likely to be differentiated according to where people are in the country? I am struggling with it all this afternoon.

IHaveBrilloHair · 26/04/2020 17:54

I can't believe letters are still going out.
I know its not a short process but that's a long time.
I thought it was bad that I waited three weeks for mine.

ALemonyPea · 26/04/2020 20:38

Feeling a bit morbid today after watching After Life. Debating writing DH some instructions should I die from this. Virtual slap needed.

Katinski · 26/04/2020 21:18

A question about supermarkets, please. Do you have to have one of their loyalty/whatever cards to use their deliveries? And (cos I've not checked any out yet) are all their products available to buy?
I declined the offer of the gov't box when it was offered cos it didn't have my 'essentials', hence preferring to buy what I want and have delivered.
Thanks.

Katinski · 26/04/2020 21:22

@Alemonypea-no virtual slap from meSmile Cheer up!Flowers

IHaveBrilloHair · 26/04/2020 21:24

I dont have any loyalty cards and I got put on the Sainsburys list.

IHaveBrilloHair · 26/04/2020 21:25

Everything is available to buy.

Egghead68 · 26/04/2020 21:31

Hello. Thanks for setting up this thread. I’ve been shielding alone in a flat since March 11. Although I started early it wasn’t early enough to stop me contacting Covid-19 which I’m just getting over. I’m working from home but fewer hours than normal and different work.

@Katinski the supermarkets where I have shopped online in the past emailed me to say I was on their priority lists. I enquired at one other and they said they would put me on their list so I don’t think you need a loyalty card - It’s just more automated if they already have your details.

FuzzyPuffling · 26/04/2020 21:39

Hello all. My DH is the shielding one, but as I h also have two relevant health conditions we are staying in as a couple. Not going for a walk is really hard, but we're lucky that gave a garden and can walk round and round the house. Bit boring though! We get the weekly "Borisbox" of food, but it's a bit random. Fray Bentos pie, anyone!

UnholyStramash · 26/04/2020 23:30

@craddock287, like you I don’t think shielding will stop after the 12 weeks. Anyway the guidance in the letter advises staying at home ‘for at least 12 weeks’, etcetera. At times I wonder about shielding till there’s a vaccine but that could be next year or later. Maybe it’s easier to not overthink it and just take a few weeks at a time. Of course it’s just guidance to shield so I suppose it’s our choice if we continue. I personally don’t want to get the virus so I probably will take precautions as far as possible but it’s hard to decide when the authorities don’t know much either.

I’m shielding because I’m on immunosuppressants. I began taking social distancing precautions when the first case was confirmed in Scotland, in a place very near my home. But when I got the letter I thought it was a mistake. Hmm I’ve now had a call from the health centre and it’s not a mistake. One of the things I wasn’t sure about was getting my monthly blood tests. I went to my appointment at the M/C two weeks ago as usual but I’ve to wait for a letter for the next one. They‘re apparently setting up for someone to come here to take the blood. So here I will wait. We’re not sorted for deliveries yet - try again tomorrow and meantime my husband’s going for groceries.

Egghead68 · 27/04/2020 06:49

I don’t think I’m going to be able to shield past the end of June else I’ll lose both my jobs I think. I’ve had the virus so I am hoping that will give me immunity for a few months. Once I stop shielding I will leave the house for work only and wear gloves and a mask.

Sorryoo · 27/04/2020 07:39

@ALemonyPea I'll slap you if you slap me back Smile currently sitting on my hands as I want to check if my critical illness/life insurance covers pandemics Hmm

One thing that has angered me (don't know if anyone feels the same) is that partners/family members living with someone shielding don't have any rights to be granted time off either furloughed or sick pay. It's impossible for me to isolate within our house due to DH providing care for me and not having arms 2m long. So I can't walk round the block but DH has to go to work and despite best efforts may bring it back (someone in his workplace is currently self isolating and can't get test due to crap availability). He asked his workplace (engaged by agency) and said even if he received sick pay could he be given time off and they basically said fuck off. We can't afford for him to lose this job as they will be scarce! DD also works in retail but I could probably isolate from her (how shit it will be though).

Great risk assessment there! Unfortunately it makes me feel like I should go for a walk as what's the point in shielding

Redcherries · 27/04/2020 09:57

Is anyone else still waiting for a letter/support?

My Dr advised me to shield right at the start so I've been home for 6 weeks, speaking to them again on Friday they said my 12 weeks starts from the initial date not from the date on my letter (my condition was missed off the list when they searched the data base apparently). Has anyone else had this same advice? It makes sense to me if you've been verbally advised and have been shielded.

Also can anyone confirm more on the extension until the end of June (It was mentioned on another thread but I can't find anything else about it)

Cocktails in the garden were lovely, I won't lie I got really quite merry ;) feel a bit jaded today though.

Bagelsandbrie · 27/04/2020 10:01

I got my letter on Thursday. I have been going to Tesco, going for walks, etc etc. I knew I had some risk but I was genuinely surprised to receive the letter. To be honest I think I will just continue as I am. It seems really pointless to suddenly stay in now considering I’ve been out and about until now and I even think I’ve already had it, although I can’t be 100% sure as wasn’t tested and of course no guarantee I won’t get it again.

AldiAisleOfCrap · 27/04/2020 11:54

One thing that has angered me (don't know if anyone feels the same) is that partners/family members living with someone shielding don't have any rights to be granted time off either furloughed or sick pay.
@Sorryoo the government changed this so other family members can be furloughed will find you the link.

AldiAisleOfCrap · 27/04/2020 11:58

@Sorryoo

Shielding Employees
Employees who are unable to work because they are shielding in line with public health guidance (or need to stay home with someone who is shielding) can be furloughed.
Employees with caring responsibilities
Employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) can be furloughed. For example, employees that need to look after children can be furloughed.

www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Amichelle84 · 27/04/2020 12:03

I'm going in to my 6th week of shielding. I'm 33 and am immunosusspressed as well as being pregnant. My letter was delayed and the 12 weeks is ending at the end of June. I'm just so thankful to have outdoor space, really feel for those that dont.

Sorryoo · 27/04/2020 12:21

@AldiAisleOfCrap thank you, the problem is this is "can be furloughed". DH has asked and been told no. He is employed by an agency (but meets criteria as PAYE etc) but from their point of view, yes the 80% of his wages will be covered but they would have to administer/claim it and also recruit someone else to do his job in the meantime, and they don't want the extra work.

So it's a "well we could but we won't" situation. As usual the government issue guidelines which are so fucking woolly and toothless they are pretty pointless.

As a percentage there isn't that many of us who are extremely vulnerable/shielded. Surely taking the hit on the costs of saying shielding families must be able to take the option to be furloughed (if they want to of course) would be worth it?

But anyway DH is an agency worker with less than two years service, they will just drop him.

I'm having a bad day.

ALemonyPea · 27/04/2020 12:34

Sorry you're having a bad day @Sorryoo. The rules are crap regarding family members. Not everyone has extra bedrooms and bathrooms to be able to do it fully either.

Feeling less morbid today, thanks for the support.